Romain Esse


Romain Joy Kouakou Esse is an English professional footballer who plays as a winger or forward for side Coventry City on loan from club Crystal Palace.

Club career

Millwall

Esse is a youth product of Millwall, and impressed in his first senior appearance in a cameo in a friendly against Brøndby in November 2022. He made his professional debut with Millwall as a late substitute in a 2–0 EFL Championship win over Watford on 26 December 2022. On 19 January 2023, he signed his first professional contract with the club and was promoted to their senior team for the rest of the season.
On 5 August 2023, he scored his first senior goal in a 1–0 win against Middlesbrough, from an assist by Aidomo Emakhu.

Crystal Palace

On 18 January 2025, Esse joined local rivals Crystal Palace signing a five-and-a-half year contract. The fee was undisclosed, but was reported to be £12 million, potentially rising to £14.5 million with add-ons. Esse scored against Brentford in a 2–1 loss for Crystal Palace in the Premier League on 26 January with his first touch for the club after coming on as a late substititute.

Coventry City (loan)

On 7 January 2026, Esse joined Championship leaders Coventry City on loan for the remainder of the season.

International career

On 22 March 2023, Esse made his England U18 debut during a 2–1 win over Croatia in Medulin.
On 6 September 2023, Esse made his England U19 debut during a 1–0 defeat to Germany in Oliva.
On 29 August 2025, Esse was called up to the England under-21s. He made his debut as a substitute during a 2027 UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualification win away to Kazakhstan on 8 September 2025.

Personal life

Born in England, Esse is of Ivorian descent. He attended St Thomas the Apostle College for five years, where he featured in a number of school matches and played an important role in their success.

Career statistics

Honours

Crystal Palace