Full Name: Jean-Philippe Mateta
Date of Birth: 28 June 1997
Place of Birth: Luanda, Angola
Height: 1.92 m (6 ft 4 in)
Position(s): Striker
Current Club: Crystal Palace
Jersey Number: 14
Jean-Philippe Mateta’s journey in football is marked by a blend of early promise, challenges, and triumphs that have shaped his career. His unwavering determination has driven him forward, even in the face of adversity.
In this piece, we delve into 11 fascinating facts about the man who currently plies his trade at Crystal Palace, highlighting his mixed heritage, remarkable achievements, and significant milestones in both club and international football.
Here are 11 Jean-Philippe Mateta Facts From Childhood You May Not Know
1. He Has A Mixed Heritage
Jean-Philippe Mateta was born on June 28, 1997, in Luanda, Angola, to a Congolese father and a French mother, embodying a rich cultural heritage. His Congolese roots connect him to Central Africa, while his French background ties him to Europe. Growing up in a multicultural household, Mateta was exposed to diverse traditions and values, shaping his identity on and off the pitch.
2. His Father was A Former Professional Footballer
Mateta's passion for football was undoubtedly influenced by his father, who was a former professional footballer. His father played in Congo and later in Liège, Belgium, where he gained experience in European football. This footballing background provided Mateta with early exposure to the sport, nurturing his skills and ambition from a young age, eventually leading him to pursue a professional career.
3. He Had A Youth Career at Olympique de Sevran, Drancy, and Châteauroux
Mateta's journey to professional football began in France, where he developed his skills at various youth academies. He started at Olympique de Sevran before moving on to Drancy and then Châteauroux. It was at Châteauroux where Mateta's potential was truly recognized, setting the stage for his eventual move to top-tier football in France.
4. His First Ligue 1 Start was Against AS Monaco in 2017
On April 23, 2017, Jean-Philippe Mateta made his first Ligue 1 start for Lyon in a match against AS Monaco. The game, held at Lyon's home ground, was a pivotal moment in Mateta's early career.
Although Lyon lost 2–1, Mateta's performance, playing 65 minutes before being substituted for Mathieu Valbuena, marked his progression in French football and his potential as a starting striker in Ligue 1.
5. His Transfer was the Most Expensive Signing in Mainz's History
On June 29, 2018, Mateta made headlines when he transferred to Bundesliga club 1. FSV Mainz 05 on a four-year deal.
The transfer, valued at a club-record fee, made him the most expensive signing in Mainz's history at the time. His arrival was seen as a significant investment for the club, with hopes that he would bring a new level of attacking prowess to the team.
6. He Scored His First Senior Hat-trick Against SC Freiburg
Mateta's talent was on full display on April 5, 2019, when he scored his first senior hat-trick in a Bundesliga match against SC Freiburg. His three goals contributed to a resounding 5–0 victory, showcasing his clinical finishing and positioning. This hat-trick was a defining moment in his career, establishing him as a key player for Mainz and one of the rising stars in the Bundesliga.
7. He is the First To Score in A Manager's First Six Home Games Since Alan Shearer
On May 6, 2024, Mateta achieved a remarkable feat by scoring in Crystal Palace’s 4–0 victory over Manchester United, becoming the first player in Premier League history to score in each of a manager's first six home games since Alan Shearer did so for Kevin Keegan at Newcastle United in 1997. This record highlighted Mateta's consistency and importance to Crystal Palace under Oliver Glasner's new management.
8. He is the First Crystal Palace Player To Score in 6 Consecutive Top-Flight Home Games
Mateta’s prolific scoring continued in the 2023-24 season, where he made history by becoming the first Crystal Palace player to score in six consecutive top-flight home games. By breaking Mark Bright's longstanding record of five successive home goals, Mateta cemented his place in the club’s history books as one of their most reliable and lethal strikers.
9. He is the First Frenchman to win Crystal Palace's Player of the Year award
On May 7, 2024, Mateta was honoured as Crystal Palace's Player of the Year, becoming the first Frenchman to ever receive the award. His outstanding performances throughout the season, including crucial goals and consistent displays, earned him this prestigious recognition, further solidifying his status as a fan favourite and key player at the club.
10. He Scored Crystal Palace's Second-ever Premier League Hat-trick
On May 19, 2024, Mateta made history by scoring Crystal Palace's second-ever Premier League hat-trick in a commanding 5–0 victory over Aston Villa. This feat came almost nine years after the club’s first Premier League hat-trick, highlighting Mateta’s ability to perform in pivotal moments. His contribution was crucial in securing a top-half finish for Palace that season.
Just a few months later, on September 14, Mateta further cemented his legacy by becoming the fifth player to score 25 goals for the club, with a brace that earned the Eagles a 2-2 draw in the Premier League.
11. He Thrived in the 2024 Olympics in France
Mateta’s talent was not confined to club football; he also shone on the international stage during the 2024 Olympics in Paris. Selected by manager Thierry Henry as one of France's three overage players, Mateta played a pivotal role in leading the team to the final.
He scored decisive goals, including a match-winning strike in the quarter-final against Argentina, a brace in the semi-final against Egypt, and a dramatic 93rd-minute equalizer in the final against Spain. Although France ultimately lost 5–3 in extra-time, Mateta’s performances were widely praised, showcasing his ability to perform at the highest level on the global stage.
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