Jean-Philippe Mateta Shares How Wilfried Zaha Once Laughed at His Dream to Play for France in His Early Crystal Palace Days
Jean-Philippe Mateta recently discussed how his ambitions of playing for the French national team were initially met with skepticism by former Crystal Palace teammate Wilfried Zaha. Mateta joined Crystal Palace in 2021 on loan from Mainz before securing a permanent deal in January 2022. His journey at the club has seen ups and downs, particularly in breaking into the starting lineup.
Mateta’s Journey at Crystal Palace
During his early days, Mateta faced challenges in earning consistent playing time. However, his fortunes improved significantly with the arrival of Austrian manager Oliver Glasner. Under Glasner’s guidance, Mateta transformed into a key player for the team.
International Aspirations
Mateta believes strongly in his potential to represent France on the international stage. He shared that when he was new to Crystal Palace and not actively playing, Zaha and other teammates laughed off his dreams of national selection. In an interview with the French outlet L’Equipe, Mateta reflected on those moments:
- He always held ambitious goals for himself.
- Zaha’s response was one of disbelief, noting the competitive nature of reaching the national level.
- Despite the initial laughter, Mateta remained focused on his objective to perform well and secure a place in the France squad.
Despite Zaha’s lighthearted skepticism, few could have predicted Mateta’s rise back then. Over time, he proved himself worthy of a national team call-up, especially during the 2023/24 season.
Recent Achievements
In a remarkable turnaround, Mateta was named Crystal Palace’s Player of the Year after an impressive season where he netted 16 goals and provided six assists in 35 Premier League matches. His performance surged following Glasner’s appointment in February 2024, marking a significant turning point in his career.
Zaha Responds
Zaha took to social media to provide clarification regarding his earlier comments. He noted:
- His comments about Mateta’s dreams were not meant to belittle them.
- The competition for a spot in the national team is intense, making it a tough aspiration for many players.
- Ambitious athletes desire to reach the highest level, especially when competing against Champions League players.
This engaging exchange highlights the competitive spirit that thrives in elite football. Mateta’s determination to fulfill his dreams serves as an inspiring narrative for aspiring athletes worldwide.
