‘A Queen City collab for the city’s newest star’ – Charlotte Hornets' Brandon Miller welcomes Charlotte FC’s newest star Wilfried Zaha

Count the Charlotte Hornets among those giving Wilfried Zaha a warm welcome to the city.

The Hornets rolled out the red carpet for Charlotte FC’s newest star as he attended their 108-104 loss to the Denver Nuggets last Saturday.

After a lackluster loan spell at Olympique Lyon, Zaha cut his stint short to join MLS in late January. The forward fills a Designated Player slot, and his arrival has been met with plenty of excitement. His visit also doubled as a collaboration between Charlotte FC and the Hornets, featuring the launch of CLTFC’s 2025 home kit -- an unveiling that drew praise from fans.

The 32-year-old forward has endured a tough time since leaving Crystal Palace on a free transfer and while many expected a lot from Zaha, he failed to produce. He signed for Galatasaray on a three-year deal in the summer of 2023 and in his lone season for the club, he contributed to 15 goals in 42 games. That wasn’t enough for the Turkish side to keep Zaha at the club and he was loaned out at the start of the 2024-25 season.

However, he dropped down the pecking order at Olympique Lyon and made only six appearances for the French side before leaving them in January. Yet despite that, fans are excited to see what the 32-year-old can produce in what is a new lease of life for the former Selhurst Park star.

Zaha, excited by a fresh start, spoke up his excitement about being a leading man for Charlotte.

"I see myself as a top player, and I'm going to carry myself as a top player," he said. "I need to prove that constantly. In football, if you score one weekend then the next weekend they're expecting more. I've got that in my head. If I'm going to go around and say I'm a good player and this and that, then I've got to prove it constantly. I don't mind the pressure at all."

Charlotte FC kick off their 2025 MLS campaign on Feb. 23 against the Seattle Sounders and already the fans have something to look forward to. Aside from Zaha, the team has added midfielder Eryk Williamson this offseason. CLTFC also added U.S. international Tim Ream last season.