8 Interesting Facts About Eberechi Eze

Eberechi Eze, the dynamic attacking midfielder for Crystal Palace and the England national team, has captured the attention of football fans worldwide with his flair, skill, and inspiring journey. From his humble beginnings in South London to his rise as a Premier League standout, Eze’s story is one of resilience, talent, and cultural pride.

Here are eight fascinating facts about the 26-year-old star that highlight his unique path and personality.

1. A journey through multiple academies before finding his footing

Eze’s road to professional football was far from straightforward. Born on June 29, 1998, in Greenwich, Greater London, he began his youth career at Arsenal at the age of eight. However, he was released by the Gunners at 13, a setback that could have derailed many young talents. Undeterred, Eze moved through the youth setups of Fulham, Reading, and Millwall, facing further releases along the way. It wasn’t until he joined Queens Park Rangers (QPR) in 2016, after a successful trial, that he found stability. His breakthrough came in the 2019–20 Championship season, where he scored 14 goals and earned the club’s Player of the Year award, paving the way for his £17 million move to Crystal Palace in 2020.

2. Deep roots in Nigerian heritage

Eze proudly embraces his Nigerian heritage, which stems from his Igbo parents who immigrated to England before his birth. Raised in a culturally rich household, his Eastern Nigerian ancestry has shaped his identity both on and off the pitch. Despite his eligibility to represent Nigeria internationally, Eze chose to pledge his allegiance to England, where he grew up and developed his footballing career. This decision was not taken lightly, as the Nigerian Football Federation engaged with his family in 2019 to sway him.

3. A footballing family

Football runs in the Eze family. Eberechi isn’t the only one chasing the dream—his two brothers, Chimaechi and Ikechi, are also involved in the sport. Chimaechi Eze, the youngest of the trio, plays for Crystal Palace’s U21 side, having joined the club’s academy in 2023 after a successful trial. Meanwhile, Ikechi Eze, born in 1996, is an attacking midfielder currently with Potters Bar Town, having previously played for clubs like Braintree Town and Aveley FC. The siblings share a tight bond, often inspiring each other to excel.

4. From Greenwich cages to Premier League stardom

Growing up in a challenging neighborhood in Greenwich, Eze honed his skills playing street football in local “cages”—enclosed pitches where he battled friends and honed his flair. These gritty beginnings instilled in him a creative style of play that sets him apart today. He has spoken fondly of those days, noting how they shaped his love for the game and his ability to glide past defenders with ease. His connection to Greenwich is so strong that it inspired his signature New Balance boot, launched in 2023, featuring a blue colorway reminiscent of his first junior team and celestial designs honoring the borough’s Royal Observatory.

5. A private love story with Izuthe Mulatto

While Eze shines brightly on the pitch, he keeps his personal life under wraps. He married his long-term girlfriend, Izuthe Mulatto, in 2022 at the age of 23, in a private ceremony that reflected their preference for discretion. The couple, who have been together since their teenage years, share a deep bond, with Izuthe often described as having African origins that complement Eze’s heritage. Eze confirmed their union with a heartfelt Instagram post in May 2022, but little else is known about their relationship—an intentional choice by the footballer who values privacy amid his rising fame.

6. Overcoming a major injury setback

Eze’s career has not been without its challenges. In May 2021, just as he was establishing himself at Crystal Palace, he suffered a devastating Achilles tendon injury during a training session. The injury sidelined him for several months and ruled him out of a potential call-up to England’s UEFA Euro 2020 squad, which he had been named in provisionally earlier that day. Despite the setback, Eze’s resilience shone through. He returned stronger, taking on the iconic No. 10 shirt at Palace in the 2021–22 season and later scoring 11 goals in the 2023–24 Premier League campaign, proving his ability to bounce back from adversity.

7. Ronaldinho as his childhood idol

Eze’s silky dribbling and flair on the ball draw comparisons to some of football’s greats, and it’s no surprise that his childhood idol was Brazilian legend Ronaldinho. Growing up, Eze was mesmerized by the former Barcelona star’s creativity and joy on the pitch—qualities he strives to emulate in his own game. This influence is evident in Eze’s technical ability, from his pinpoint free kicks (like his first Palace goal against Leeds United in 2020) to his knack for unlocking defenses with a single deft move.

8. A man of faith and gratitude

Beyond football, Eze’s life is deeply anchored by his Christian faith, a value instilled by his family and reflective of his Igbo upbringing. He has openly spoken about how his belief in God guides him, providing balance and peace amid the pressures of professional football. In a 2023 interview with British GQ, Eze said, “God is at the center of my life… I can’t explain how grateful I am to have God because I don’t know how I would navigate life without it.” This faith, paired with his love for pets (he owns a special breed of dog often featured on Instagram), paints a picture of a grounded individual who remains connected to his roots despite his stardom.