In 2022, Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze opened up about the struggles he faced early in his career, particularly the heartbreak of being released by Arsenal at the age of 13. For a young boy who had always dreamed of playing for the Gunners, the rejection was devastating.
“My dream was to play for Arsenal,” Eze revealed in an interview with Rising Ballers. “Being released by them was the hardest moment. Hearing them say no to me at 13, that was tough.”
Eze recalled that the rejection left him crushed, to the point where he couldn’t even focus on training afterward. “I remember training after I got released. I couldn’t concentrate—I was just crying,” he admitted. The pain of being let go at such a young age could have easily derailed his ambitions, but instead, it gave him the resilience to keep going.
“I think that helped me so much in all the other rejections I faced,” Eze explained. “I thought, if I can get through Arsenal releasing me, I can get through anything else.”
That mindset would prove vital, as Eze endured several more rejections from professional clubs before finally finding his breakthrough. His journey took him through youth systems at Fulham, Reading, and Millwall, before he signed with Queens Park Rangers in 2016. At QPR, his talent blossomed, and his performances soon caught the attention of Premier League scouts.
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In 2020, Eze made his dream of playing in the Premier League a reality when Crystal Palace signed him for £16 million. Since then, he has become one of Palace’s standout performers, earning praise for his creativity, skill, and composure on the ball. His determination and work ethic have turned early heartbreak into inspiration for others chasing their football dreams.
Eze’s story is a powerful reminder that rejection is not the end of the road, but often the beginning of resilience. From crying on the training ground at 13 to dazzling crowds at Selhurst Park, his journey shows that setbacks can fuel even greater success when met with perseverance and belief.