Multi-Era Eddie Allan Zebie Retires

After six seasons as a one club man with FC Edmonton, Allan Zebie has opted to hang up his boots at the age of 28.

The versatile athlete’s retirement was announced by the CPL side earlier today, coming just one day after goalkeeper Connor James had announced his was leaving the pro game behind.

Zebie’s final season with FC Edmonton saw him make eleven appearances, with his last coming in a home match against Atletico Ottawa on October 12. He began his career as a dual-sided full-back, though his time under Colin Miller saw him transition further into the middle of the pitch, too.

Zebie had been with FC Edmonton during both its NASL and CPL eras, having originally signed for the side in 2015 after trialing with Leeds United and Rangers. He made 56 appearances for the Eddies in its NASL era before the club ceased operations, and then made 39 more appearances upon the side’s revival via the Canadian Premier League.

His sole professional goal came as a tap-in against the San Francisco Deltas in 2017, with Allan’s goal handing the eventual champions their first loss of the 2017 fall season.

A statement by FC Edmonton describes Zebie as a consummate professional who was always willing to do whatever was asked of him to help the CPL side. Former Eddies head coach Jeff Paulus described him as a good player who only needed a chance and a place to play, identifying him as the type of domestic athlete that the CPL was created for.

There will be a huge hole in the soul of this club with his absence. He means so much to the fans, and to the history of this club. We thank him for his many years of service to club and community, and know he will be successful in the next phase of his life. We want him to know he is welcome around here any time, and hope to see him often.

FC Edmonton

Zebie was part of the Canada U-20 squad that participated in the 2013 Concacaf U-20 Championship in Mexico, an opportunity which he credits to his joining the FC Edmonton Academy a year prior. He was born in Paris, immigrating to Montreal as a child before his family moved to Edmonton when he was a teenager.

He also had the chance to play professionally alongside his brother Bruno Zebie, who played for FC Edmonton during both its NASL and CPL eras before signing with Cavalry last season.

Thank you for all the support over the years. It’s been incredible to play at home in front of friends and family for so many years. Thank you football for the amazing ride you took me on. I’m excited to see where you will take me next!

Allan Zebie

With professional football now behind him, Zebie remains listed as the co-owner of Alpha Pro Training, a high performance centre in Edmonton that he runs alongside Edem Mortotsi. He is also listed as a U-21 head coach for BTB Academy.

When FC Edmonton ceased operations at the end of the 2017 NASL season, Zebie had made a public post imploring sports fans in the city to support the side should it be revived with the launch of the Canadian Premier League. With an estimated crowd of 580 having taken in his final match at Clarke Stadium, it’s fair to say the six-year Eddie deserved more pomp and circumstance for his final professional appearance.

Zebie becomes the third FC Edmonton player to retire this season, behind Chance Carter and the aforementioned Connor James. Touching on this week’s retirements, former Eddie Nik Ledgerwood stated that both 25 and 28 were far too young to retire – but these are the realities of a young salary-capped league.

We wish Allan Zebie all the best in his next chapter.