Wilfried Zaha could be on the verge of making a surprise return to the Ivory Coast national team as the next international window approaches, following a resurgence in form with Major League Soccer side Charlotte FC.
The 31-year-old winger, who last featured for the Elephants three years ago, has begun to regain sharpness and consistency in the United States, tallying four goals in 1,080 minutes across all competitions so far this season.
His performances have reportedly caught the attention of Ivory Coast head coach Emerse Faé, who is believed to be considering a recall for the veteran attacker during the upcoming FIFA international break.
Zaha’s potential return comes at a time when the Ivorian squad is seeking fresh attacking options to bolster its forward line. Despite operating outside Europe’s traditional elite leagues, the former Crystal Palace star brings with him a wealth of international experience and a proven track record at the highest level.
Since joining Charlotte FC, Zaha has shown signs of rediscovering the form that once made him one of the Premier League’s most feared wide players.
His pace, dribbling ability, and eye for goal remain valuable assets, and Faé may view his inclusion as a means of injecting both flair and experience into a relatively young attacking corps.
The possibility of Zaha donning the national colours again would not only offer him a chance to relaunch his international career but also provide the Elephants with a seasoned campaigner capable of influencing key moments.
His return would also send a message of openness to players based in non-European leagues, reinforcing the idea that form and performance, rather than club location, remain central to national team selection.
Although no official squad list has yet been announced for the upcoming fixtures, speculation around Zaha’s inclusion is intensifying. A return to the national fold would give him an opportunity to reintegrate into Faé’s evolving setup and possibly stake a claim for a spot in future major tournaments.
Zaha’s last appearance for Ivory Coast came in 2021, and his absence since then has often puzzled supporters, particularly given the national team’s occasional struggles in attack.
His comeback could be seen as a strategic move to blend youth with experience, especially as the Elephants begin to shape their squad for future challenges on the continental and global stage.
With the international break fast approaching, all eyes will be on Faé’s squad announcement. Should Zaha be included, it would mark a significant moment in both his career and Ivory Coast’s bid to reassert themselves as one of Africa’s dominant footballing nations.
As the narrative unfolds, Ivorian fans will no doubt be eager to see whether one of their most talented exports in recent memory is granted the opportunity to write a new chapter in his international story.
