Jean-Philippe Mateta is a 28-year-old French professional footballer who currently plays as a striker for Crystal Palace in the English Premier League and the France national team. As of April 2, 2026, Mateta has recorded 8 goals in 24 Premier League appearances during the 2025/26 season, contributing significantly to a Palace side that recently secured the FA Cup (2024/25) and the Community Shield (2025). Standing at 1.92m (6’4″), he is renowned for his physical dominance, clinical finishing, and “corner flag” celebration. Despite a recent knee injury that sidelined him for part of early 2026, Mateta remains a focal point of the Eagles’ attack and a candidate for France’s 2026 FIFA World Cup squad, having made his senior debut and scored twice for Les Bleus in late 2025.
2025/26 Season Performance and Stats
The 2025/26 campaign has been a mixture of record-breaking highs and injury-induced frustrations for Mateta. After a prolific start to the season, he faced a setback in January 2026 that hampered his momentum in the Golden Boot race.
| Competition | Appearances | Goals | Assists | Minutes Played |
| Premier League | 24 | 8 | 0 | 1,944 |
| FA Community Shield | 1 | 1 | 0 | 90 |
| EFL Cup | 3 | 0 | 1 | 225 |
| Conference League | 3 | 0 | 0 | 88 |
Mateta’s “expected goals” (xG) currently stands at 12.07, suggesting that while he remains a threat, he has slightly underperformed his statistical projections due to the disruptive nature of his mid-season knee injury. His ability to win 65% of his aerial duels remains one of the highest rates for a striker in the division.
Playing Style and Technical Traits
Mateta is a “pure” number nine who combines traditional target-man attributes with modern mobility. His 1.92m frame allows him to act as a pivot for the team, holding up the ball to bring creative midfielders like Adam Wharton and Yéremi Pino into play.
Physicality: Dominates center-backs in the air and uses his strength to protect the ball in the final third.
Finishing: A high percentage of his goals come from “Regular Play” inside the box, particularly using his favored right foot.
Defensive Work: Under Glasner, Mateta has increased his pressing intensity, averaging 2.4 defensive actions per 90 minutes.
Unlike many tall strikers, Mateta possesses a deceptive burst of speed over short distances, allowing him to exploit high defensive lines. His unique “corner flag” celebration has become a staple of Selhurst Park matchdays, symbolizing his connection with the local fanbase.
France National Team Status 2026
The year 2025 marked a historic turning point in Mateta’s career as he earned his first senior call-up to the France national team under Didier Deschamps. His international breakthrough followed a stellar performance at the 2024 Summer Olympics, where he scored 5 goals for the U23 side.
In October 2025, Mateta made his senior debut in a World Cup qualifier against Azerbaijan. He followed this with his first international goal in a 2-2 draw with Iceland. As of April 2026, he has 3 caps and 2 goals. However, manager Oliver Glasner has recently noted that Mateta faces a “slim chance” of making the final 2026 World Cup squad unless he proves his total fitness following his recent knee surgery scare.
2026 Transfer News and Contract
As of April 2026, Mateta’s future at Crystal Palace is the subject of intense speculation. His current contract is set to expire on June 30, 2027, following a long-term extension signed in late 2024.
AC Milan Interest: In January 2026, a proposed £35 million move to AC Milan collapsed at the final hour after medical tests highlighted a potential knee issue.
Reported Valuation: Crystal Palace currently values the striker at approximately £40 million.
Departure Rumors: Reports on January 21, 2026, suggested that Mateta informed the club of his desire to seek a new challenge at the end of the season, coinciding with Oliver Glasner’s announced departure.
Palace fans are hopeful that the club can retain their star striker, especially with the team currently competing in the latter stages of the UEFA Conference League.
Career History and Major Titles
Mateta’s journey through the ranks of French football provided the foundation for his Premier League success. After starting at Sevran FC, he moved through the Châteauroux academy before a high-profile move to Lyon and eventually Mainz 05.
Châteauroux (2015-16): 16 goals in 27 games in the third tier.
Lyon (2016-17): Struggled for minutes behind Alexandre Lacazette.
Le Havre (Loan, 2017-18): 20 goals in 38 games in Ligue 2.
Mainz 05 (2018-21): Established himself as a Bundesliga talent with 27 goals.
Crystal Palace (2021-Present): Initially a loanee, he became a permanent fixture in 2022.
Major Honours
FA Cup Winner: 2024/25
FA Community Shield: 2025
Olympic Silver Medal: 2024 (France U23)
Practical Information for Fans
For supporters following Mateta’s progress in the final weeks of the 2025/26 season, these are the essential details.
Next Match: Crystal Palace vs Fiorentina (Conference League, April 9, 2026).
Stadium: Selhurst Park, South London.
Jersey Number: 14.
Official Merchandise: Available via the CPFC online store; Mateta’s #14 is currently a top-three best-seller.
Social Media: Mateta is active on Instagram, where he often shares behind-the-scenes footage of his recovery and training.
FAQs
How many goals has Mateta scored for Crystal Palace?
As of April 2026, Jean-Philippe Mateta has scored 53 senior goals for Crystal Palace across all competitions.
What is Mateta’s current transfer value?
His market value is estimated at approximately £38.7 million, with Palace reportedly seeking closer to £40 million for a summer sale.
Is Mateta going to the 2026 World Cup?
His inclusion in the France squad is currently uncertain due to a recent knee injury and competition from players like Kylian Mbappé and Hugo Ekitike.
What happened with Mateta’s transfer to AC Milan?
A £35m move to AC Milan collapsed in January 2026 after medical concerns regarding his knee were raised by Milan’s doctors.
What is Mateta’s height?
Jean-Philippe Mateta is 1.92 meters tall, which is approximately 6 feet 4 inches.
When does Mateta’s contract expire?
His current contract with Crystal Palace expires on June 30, 2027.
Why does Mateta kick the corner flag?
It is his signature goal celebration, which has become a fan favorite at Selhurst Park.
Has Mateta won any trophies with Crystal Palace?
Yes, he was part of the squad that won the 2024/25 FA Cup and the 2025 FA Community Shield.
Where was Jean-Philippe Mateta born?
He was born on June 28, 1997, in Sevran, France.
Does Mateta have dual citizenship?
Yes, he holds citizenship for both France and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
What is Mateta’s kit number?
He wears the number 14 for Crystal Palace.
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