Romain Esse: Crystal Palace’s Rising Star from South London

Romain Esse is a young footballer making waves in English football. Born in Lambeth, London, on May 13, 2005, he started his journey at Millwall’s youth academy at just nine years old. Over the years, he showcased his talent and determination, earning a spot in Millwall’s senior team. In January 2025, Esse made a significant move to Crystal Palace, signing a five-and-a-half-year contract. His debut for Palace was memorable, scoring a goal just moments after stepping onto the pitch against Brentford. Esse’s rise from a local youth academy to a Premier League player is a testament to his hard work and passion for the game.

Growing up in South London, Esse was immersed in a community rich with football culture. He joined Millwall’s youth system in 2014, where he honed his skills and developed a deep understanding of the game. His dedication paid off when he made his professional debut for Millwall at 17, coming on as a substitute in a match against Watford in December 2022. Esse’s performances caught the eye of many, and by the 2024/25 season, he was a regular starter for Millwall, contributing with goals and assists. His impressive performances at the club level led to call-ups to England’s youth national teams, further highlighting his potential and bright future in football.

Early Life and Football Beginnings

Romain Esse grew up in the neighborhoods of Peckham and Bermondsey in South London. These areas are known for producing football talent, and Esse was surrounded by the sport from an early age. He attended St Thomas the Apostle College, a school recognized for supporting students with sporting ambitions. From childhood, Esse loved football and spent hours practicing his skills.

At nine years old, he joined Millwall’s youth academy in 2014. Before Millwall, he had trialed with Chelsea but chose Millwall due to its proximity to his home. This allowed him to balance school and training. At Millwall, Esse developed his technical skills, speed, and understanding of the game. His coaches noticed his natural ability to take on defenders and create scoring opportunities. By his teenage years, Esse had become one of the standout talents in Millwall’s academy, setting the stage for a professional career.

Professional Career

Romain Esse made his senior debut for Millwall on December 26, 2022, at just 17 years old. He came on as a substitute in a 2–0 win against Watford in the EFL Championship. This debut was a significant milestone for Esse, as it marked the transition from youth football to professional competition.

In January 2023, he signed his first professional contract with Millwall, solidifying his position in the first team. Over the next two seasons, Esse became known for his speed, creativity, and goal-scoring ability. On August 5, 2023, he scored his first senior goal in a 1–0 victory against Middlesbrough. Esse’s performances attracted attention from Premier League clubs, who recognized his potential to succeed at the highest level of English football.

On January 18, 2025, Romain Esse joined Crystal Palace for a reported fee of £12 million, which could rise to £14.5 million with add-ons. He signed a five-and-a-half-year contract with the club. Esse made an instant impression at Palace, scoring with his first touch during his debut against Brentford on January 26, 2025. This remarkable start signaled his readiness to compete in the Premier League and contributed to the excitement surrounding his arrival.

At Crystal Palace, Esse is primarily deployed as a winger but can also play as an attacking midfielder. His versatility, pace, and dribbling skills make him a constant threat to opposing defenses. Fans and coaches are excited about his potential, and many see him as a player who could shape the club’s future success in the Premier League.

International Career

Romain Esse has represented England at various youth levels. He made his debut for the England U18 team in March 2023, during a 2–1 win against Croatia. By September 2023, he had been promoted to the U19 side, where he continued to impress with his performances.

In August 2025, Esse received a call-up to the England U21 team, highlighting his rapid development and the national team’s recognition of his talent. Representing England internationally allows Esse to gain valuable experience against top young players from other countries. It also gives him the opportunity to contribute to England’s future success on the international stage.

Playing Style

Romain Esse is known for his explosive pace, quick dribbling, and ability to score goals from different positions on the field. Primarily a right winger, he can also play on the left or as an attacking midfielder. His playing style is direct and aggressive, often taking defenders on one-on-one to create chances for himself or his teammates.

Esse’s vision and awareness allow him to make intelligent runs and deliver accurate passes. His versatility makes him a valuable asset to any team, as he can adapt to different tactical systems. Coaches praise his work ethic, technical skills, and attitude, which are all crucial for success at the professional level.

Achievements

While Romain Esse is still early in his career, he has already achieved significant milestones:

• Made senior debut for Millwall at 17

• Scored first senior goal in 2023 against Middlesbrough

• Transferred to Crystal Palace in January 2025 for a record fee

• Scored on Premier League debut for Crystal Palace

• Represented England at U18, U19, and U21 levels

These achievements reflect both his talent and his commitment to improving every season. Fans are excited to see what he will achieve next as he continues to develop.

Conclusion

Romain Esse’s journey from a young boy in South London to a professional Premier League player is a story of talent, hard work, and dedication. His rise through Millwall’s youth academy, his professional debut, and his successful start at Crystal Palace show that he is a player to watch. Esse’s skills, speed, and versatility make him a future star in English football, and his international experience with England’s youth teams adds to his promise.

As Romain Esse continues to develop, fans can look forward to many exciting moments and achievements. His story is inspiring for young footballers everywhere, proving that with dedication, focus, and passion, dreams can become reality. The future is bright for this South London talent, and the world of football will surely hear more about Romain Esse in the coming years.

FAQs

Q1: What position does Romain Esse play?
A1: Esse primarily plays as a winger but can also operate as an attacking midfielder.

Q2: Which clubs has Romain Esse played for?
A2: He started at Millwall’s youth academy, progressed to the senior team, and currently plays for Crystal Palace.

Q3: Has Romain Esse represented England internationally?
A3: Yes, he has played for England U18, U19, and U21 teams.