Romain Joy Kouakou Esse (born 13 May 2005) is an English professional footballer who plays as a winger or forward for side Coventry City on loan from club Crystal Palace.
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 2âÂÂ0 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 1âÂÂ0 win against Middlesbrough, from an assist by Aidomo Emakhu.
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 ã12 million, potentially rising to ã14.5 million with add-ons. Esse scored against Brentford in a 2âÂÂ1 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.
On 7 January 2026, Esse joined Championship leaders Coventry City on loan for the remainder of the season.
On 22 March 2023, Esse made his England U18 debut during a 2âÂÂ1 win over Croatia in Medulin.
On 6 September 2023, Esse made his England U19 debut during a 1âÂÂ0 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.
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.
Crystal Palace