11 Interesting Eberechi Eze Facts From His Youth Days
Updated: Oct 3
Full Name: Eberechi Oluchi Eze
Date of Birth: 29 June 1998
Place of Birth: Greenwich, England
Height: 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m)
Position(s): Attacking Midfielder / Winger
Current Team: Arsenal
Jersey Number: 10
When Arsenal completed the signing of Eberechi Eze in 2025, it felt less like a transfer and more like the completion of a story.
Released by the Gunners as a boy, Eze carved his own path through English football before eventually returning to North London as an established Premier League and England international.
To understand the journey, you need to rewind to his youth days, when rejection, perseverance, family and a love of football helped shape the player he would become.
Below Are 11 Eberechi Eze Facts, Showcasing Heritage and More
1. He is of Nigerian Descent with Igbo Tradition
Eberechi Eze proudly embraces his Nigerian heritage and Igbo roots, which form an important part of his identity.
Born and raised in Greenwich, London, Eze grew up in a Nigerian family and has spoken about the influence his background and upbringing have had on his life.
2. He Has A Brother, Chimaechi Eze, Who is A Footballer
Football runs in the Eze family. His brother, Chimaechi Eze, also pursued a career in the sport and has been part of the Crystal Palace setup.
Growing up with football around him gave Eberechi another family connection to the game as he worked towards becoming a professional.
3. He Started His Football Career at Arsenal, But Was Released
At eight years old, Eze joined the Arsenal academy and spent several years within the club's youth system.
However, Arsenal released him in 2011. What could have been a major setback ultimately became an important turning point in his career, forcing him to find another route into professional football.
4. Millwall FC Gave Him the Platform to Rise Again with a Two–Year Scholarship
After leaving Arsenal, Eze spent time with the academies at Fulham and Reading before joining Millwall, where he received a two-year scholarship in 2014.
Playing against older and stronger opponents helped him develop physically and tactically while continuing to refine the technical ability that would eventually become one of his biggest strengths.
5. QPR Helped Him Become A Senior Professional
QPR became the stage where Eze transformed from academy hopeful into senior professional. Signed after trials that nearly didn’t happen, he exploded onto the Championship scene with flair, swagger, and fearlessness.
Fans adored his ability to glide past opponents, and his success there proved he could recover from rejection and build something stronger. Arsenal’s new signing was forged in those moments of self-belief at Loftus Road.
6. His Loan Spell at Wycombe Wanderers was Vital For His Growth
Eze spent part of the 2016–17 season on loan at Wycombe Wanderers, where he gained valuable experience in senior football.
Playing regularly in League Two gave him the opportunity to experience a different style of football and develop the physical and competitive side of his game. He returned to QPR better prepared for the demands of regular professional football.
7. Crystal Palace Paid £17m to Secure Him
In 2020, Crystal Palace bet big by signing Eze for £17m. It proved a masterstroke. At Selhurst Park, he didn’t just adapt to the Premier League, he lit it up with dazzling dribbles, smart passing, and clinical goals.
Palace fans fell in love, seeing him as their magician in midfield, a creative force who could swing matches with a single piece of brilliance. His development at Palace set the stage for a return to Arsenal in 2025.
8. He Left Crystal Palace As A Legend
By the time he left Crystal Palace in 2025, Eze had become one of the club’s standout modern players, finishing with 40 goals and 28 assists in 169 appearances.
His impact went beyond numbers, shaping Palace’s attacking identity and turning him into a fan favourite at Selhurst Park. That move ultimately set up his return to north London, where he went on to win the Premier League title in his first season with Arsenal in 2025–26.
9. He Won the Premier League With Arsenal in His First Season Back (2025–26)
In a remarkable debut campaign after returning to Arsenal, Eberechi Eze played a key role as the club ended a 22-year wait for the Premier League title.
Arsenal secured the championship on the final day of the 2025–26 season, with Eze lifting the trophy at Selhurst Park, the stadium of his former club, Crystal Palace.
The moment carried strong emotional weight, marking a full-circle story from academy release to Premier League champion in his first season back in north London.
Just before the season started, Tottenham Hotspur had reportedly been close to securing his signature before Arsenal moved decisively.
That subplot added extra spice to his North London journey, especially after he famously scored a hat-trick against Spurs at the Emirates in a standout derby performance.
10. He Represents England Internationally Despite Other Allegiances
Though courted by Nigeria, Eze chose to represent England at international level. The decision wasn’t easy, but for him, it was about ambition: testing himself against the best, on the biggest stages.
He has since worn the Three Lions shirt with pride, adding an international dimension to a career already defined by bold choices.
11. He Has Always Been A Fan Of Casio Watches
Eberechi Eze has revealed that Casio watches have been a personal favourite since his younger days, with the Arsenal and England star admitting: “I’ve always worn it since I was young. I’ve always had a Casio.”
His preference became particularly noticeable when he was unveiled as an Arsenal player in August 2025. Rather than arriving at the Emirates wearing an expensive luxury timepiece, Eze was wearing a simple green Casio watch that cost around £20.
The connection has since gone further. Eze became a G-Shock UK ambassador in 2026, with the campaign highlighting his long-standing relationship with the Casio brand.
RELATED ARTICLES:
Comments