Jean-Philippe Mateta, the prolific striker for Crystal Palace and a member of the French national team, recently opened up about his professional goals and future ambitions.
Mateta, recognized for his unwavering determination, has consistently expressed his eagerness to climb higher in his football career. Inspired by the elite forwards he trains alongside, the Crystal Palace attacker took advantage of a media opportunity during the France national team camp to outline his vision moving forward.
At 28, Mateta has become a prominent figure in the Premier League over recent seasons. Last season, he scored 17 goals in all competitions, playing a crucial role in Crystal Palace’s historic FA Cup victory-the club’s first major trophy.
His strong performances also extended to the 2024 Paris Olympics, where, as one of the overage players, he found the net five times in six matches, helping France clinch the silver medal.
Insights from Mateta
Mateta recently earned his inaugural senior call-up from coach Didier Deschamps ahead of the October 2025 World Cup qualifying fixtures against Azerbaijan and Iceland.
During his stint with the national squad, Mateta spoke openly about his aspirations, highlighting how training alongside world-class players raises his own performance standards:
“Ambition is a natural trait for any competitive athlete,” he shared with RMCSport. “Being part of the national team and sharing the pitch with players who compete in the Champions League and lift prestigious trophies naturally motivates me to elevate my game.”
Last summer, transfer speculation linked Mateta with clubs such as Atalanta, Liverpool, and Manchester United, yet he remains loyal to Crystal Palace. The club is actively working on extending his contract, which currently runs until 2027.