Zavier Gozo has called his start to life at Crystal Palace and with the United States senior team “surreal” after a rapid rise during 2026.
The 19-year-old moved to South London from Real Salt Lake over the summer, having recorded six goals and four assists in 16 league appearances before earning selection for the 2026 MLS All-Star Game. He has since made three substitute appearances for Palace this season.
Gozo also became the first Utah-born player to feature in the Premier League. He acknowledged the adjustment involved in moving to London and adapting to a new country, while highlighting the support of Palace and USA defender Chris Richards, who has helped him settle.
The forward said his immediate priority was development rather than expecting to move straight from MLS football into a starting role in the Premier League. He has instead focused on training in a high-level environment and learning from the players around him as he continues to mature.
That progress was rewarded with a first senior United States call-up this month. Gozo made his international debut by playing the final 30 minutes of a 4-1 victory over Peru in Orlando, an experience he described as surreal while also making clear his ambition to compete for a regular place.
He was not involved in the United States’ meeting with Chile in St. Louis, Missouri, but could feature again during the remainder of the international window when his country face Mexico and Canada in friendlies.
