David Ikechukwu Ozoh (born 6 May 2005) is a professional footballer who plays as a central midfielder for club Derby County. Born in Spain, he is a youth international for England.
Starting his career at Crystal Palace, Ozoh made his first team debut in 2023, his first of 13 appearances for Crystal Palace. He spent the 2024–25 and 2025–26 seasons on loan at Derby County, before making the move permanent in September 2026.
Club career Crystal Palace Ozoh joined the Crystal Palace academy at the age of 8. He worked his way up their youth age groups, playing for the U18 and U23 sides. On 11 August 2022, he signed his first professional contract with the club. He made his professional debut for Crystal Palace as a late substitute in a 0–0 Premier League draw with Newcastle United on 21 January 2023, becoming the club's youngest ever debutant in the Premier League at the age of 17. In the 2023–24 season, Ozoh played 12 times for the first team.
Derby County (loan) On 24 July 2024, Ozoh joined Derby County of the Championship on loan until the end of the 2024–25 season. On 9 August 2024, he made his debut for the club in a 2–4 loss against Blackburn Rovers in the league. Ozoh scored his first goal for Derby in 89th minute of a 3–0 win to Bristol City on 31 August 2024, this was also first goal in senior football. Ozoh had made a strong start to his time at Derby, but picked up a hamstring injury against Cardiff City on 14 September 2024 which left him sidelined for a few weeks. Upon his return to training from this injury, Ozoh damaged his quad which was expected to leave him unable to play until after the November international break which would mean he would miss two-and-a-half months with both injuries. Ozoh returned in January 2025, however in February 2025 he sustained a thigh injury against Millwall which ended his season, Ozoh made 10 appearances during his loan spell at Derby, scoring once.
On 29 July 2025, Ozoh returned to Derby County on a further season-long loan, for the duration of the 2025–26 season. He scored his first goal since returning to the club on 21 October 2025, the winner in a 1–0 home win over Norwich City. Ozoh would be ruled for two 11 matches over a two month period after sustaining a thigh injury at Blackburn Rovers, before returning in an FA Cup tie against Leeds United. Ozoh made 35 appearances, scoring twice in his second season at Derby County. At the end of the season Derby head coach John Eustace stated his desire for the Ozoh to return to Derby on a permanent deal.
Derby County On 1 September 2026, Ozoh joined Derby County on a permanent transfer, signing a five-year contract. He made his debut as a permanent Derby County player as 22nd minute substitute for Rhian Brewster in a 3–0 defeat to West Ham United.
International career Ozoh was born in Valencia, Spain to Nigerian parents and moved to England at a young age. He was called up to the England U18s in March 2023 and made his debut during a 2–1 win over Croatia in Medulin on 22 March 2023.
Career statistics
+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competitionClubSeasonLeagueFA CupLeague CupOtherTotalDivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsCrystal Palace U212022–23———30302023–24———3030Total———6060Crystal Palace2022–23Premier League100000—102023–24Premier League902010—120Total1002010—130Derby County (loan)2024–25Championship1010020—1212025–26Championship3321010—352Total4331030—473Derby County2026–27Championship4000——40Career total573304060703
Honours Individual Crystal Palace Under-21s Player of the Season: 2022–23
References
External links Profile at the Crystal Palace F.C. website