Seven things you need to know about this particular new player

He Started with a Renowned Junior Club:
Aaron Wan-Bissaka was born in Croydon, South London, on 26 November 1997, and grew up in New Addington. He attended Good Shepherd Catholic Primary School and began his football journey with Junior Elite FC in Beckenham, a club known for nurturing talents like Emile Smith Rowe and Djed Spence. At Junior Elite FC, Wan-Bissaka wore the No. 14 jersey, idolizing Arsenal and France legend Thierry Henry. The club has a strong reputation for developing players who progress to professional academies, laying the foundation for Wan-Bissaka’s successful football career.
He Joined Crystal Palace at Eleven:
Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s talent was quickly recognized when Crystal Palace scouts invited him for a six-week trial at the age of eleven. However, his skill level was so impressive that the club signed him after just two weeks. Initially a winger and occasionally playing as a No. 10, Wan-Bissaka transitioned to full-back during Roy Hodgson’s time as Palace manager. This positional change occurred after he was tasked with marking Wilfried Zaha in training, where his defensive prowess shone, marking the beginning of his evolution into a top defender.
He Won Numerous Awards at Crystal Palace:
Wan-Bissaka made his Premier League debut for Crystal Palace on 25 February 2018, in a derby against Tottenham Hotspur at Selhurst Park. His performances in the final stretch of the 2017/18 season earned him the club’s Young Player of the Year award. The following season, he was unstoppable, winning the club’s Player of the Month award for August, September, and October 2018. By the end of the 2018/19 season, Wan-Bissaka had started 39 matches across all competitions and was named Crystal Palace’s Player of the Year, solidifying his status as one of the league’s best young talents.
He Has International Experience:
With parents from DR Congo, Aaron Wan-Bissaka is proud of his Congolese heritage. He made his international debut for DR Congo U20s in 2015, playing as a forward in a friendly against England. However, he later switched his allegiance to England, earning his first call-up to the England U20 squad in March 2018. He debuted in a 1-0 win over Poland and went on to earn three caps for England U21s. Wan-Bissaka’s diverse international experience reflects his adaptability and high potential on the global stage.
He Moved North at 21:
In June 2019, Manchester United signed Aaron Wan-Bissaka from Crystal Palace for a reported £45 million, making him the most expensive uncapped English player at the time. At just 21, Wan-Bissaka quickly established himself at United, playing 46 times in all competitions during his first season. He made his European debut, earned his first senior England call-up, and led the Premier League in tackles made. His impressive debut season also saw him score his first senior goal for United in a Premier League match against Newcastle United in October 2020.
He Is a Trophy Winner:
During his five seasons at Manchester United, Wan-Bissaka reached four major finals, winning two of them. He was part of the team that won the EFL Cup in 2023, where he played a key role as a half-time substitute in the 2-0 victory over Newcastle United. Although he started in the 2021 UEFA Europa League final, United lost in a dramatic penalty shootout. Wan-Bissaka also played in the 2024 FA Cup final, where Manchester United lost to Manchester City, but he helped the team bounce back by defeating City in the same competition the following season, securing the FA Cup title.
He Is a Community Champion:
Aaron Wan-Bissaka has consistently demonstrated his commitment to his roots in South London. His community work during his time at Crystal Palace earned him the club’s PFA Community Champion award in 2019. He supported the Palace for Life Foundation, engaging with local initiatives like the Gloves not Gunz community boxing group and visiting his old primary school to inspire young students. Even after moving to Manchester United, Wan-Bissaka has remained dedicated to giving back to the community that shaped his early years, continuing his legacy as a role model both on and off the pitch.

Seven things you need to know about this particular new player

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