Zavier Gozo embraces the discomfort of his Crystal Palace leap
From Utah prospect to Palace challenger
Zavier Gozo’s footballing world has changed dramatically in a matter of months. After missing out on the United States’ World Cup squad and finishing his Real Salt Lake chapter, the forward moved from Utah to London to join Crystal Palace. He has since made three substitute appearances for the club in all competitions and earned his first senior USMNT cap.
Gozo said Palace’s record of developing attacking talent helped make the club an appealing destination. He was also drawn by its recent silverware and the prospect of European football, and by the success of compatriot Chris Richards, a familiar presence after Gozo’s arrival.
The move has brought a sharp change in status. At Salt Lake, Gozo had become one of the team’s leading young players; at Palace, he is competing for opportunities in a more demanding environment and learning to adapt to a higher pace and tighter spaces. The forward described the club as a place where he can learn while still being “thrown into the fire a little bit.”
Learning to thrive at a higher level
Gozo’s boldness was evident in MLS, where he produced eye-catching solo moments against Atlanta and Sporting Kansas City. He knows those openings are harder to find in England. His current priorities include improving his physicality, using his body to protect possession or win fouls, and making quicker decisions about whether to turn, dribble or release the ball.
“You have to be uncomfortable to get to the highest levels,” Gozo said.
The adjustment extends beyond the pitch. Gozo said he is still building a connection with Palace supporters, contrasting that process with the backing he felt as a homegrown player at Real Salt Lake. He wants his performances to give fans a reason to identify with him and to bring them joy.
Gozo’s club transition has coincided with a fresh opportunity for the United States. He made his senior debut during the recent international window, appearing for nearly half an hour against Peru. He was one of five players from the 2025 Under-20 World Cup squad to earn a first senior cap in that window, as the national team introduced a group of emerging players.
Among the other young attackers involved were Cavan Sullivan and Mathis Albert. Gozo said the atmosphere around the national team has changed, with greater attention and a heightened energy since the World Cup. For now, his challenge is to turn that momentum into regular minutes at Palace and establish himself at both club and international level.