Didier Deschamps Crystal Palace praise has handed Jean-Philippe Mateta the international recognition he has long craved. The France boss confirmed the 27-year-old striker’s inclusion in his latest squad, rewarding a prolific run of form under Oliver Glasner at Selhurst Park.
Mateta has represented Les Bleus at U19, U20, U21 and Olympic levels, but has never received a senior call-up until now. That long wait is finally over, with Deschamps insisting the forward’s name has been “on his list for a while” as he weighed up attacking options for this month’s fixtures.
Mateta’s career-best form
The Crystal Palace striker has been rejuvenated since Glasner’s arrival. After managing 17 goals in 46 appearances last season, Mateta has already found the net four times in ten matches this campaign. In total, he has scored 34 goals in 69 appearances under the Austrian — the most productive spell of his career.
That consistency has now been rewarded at the highest level.
“Mateta? That’s his profile, he’s not very young, but this is the first time he’s been with us,” Deschamps told Foot Mercato. “He’s played with the youth teams, he has the ability to score goals, obviously that could be linked to Marcus (Thuram)’s injury… But he has an interesting profile, he’s been doing good things for a while, especially with the Olympic team, and he’s been on the pre-squads for a while.”
“He has an interesting profile, he’s been doing good things for a while, especially with the Olympic team, and he’s been on the pre-squads for a while.” — Didier Deschamps
Palace form to France recognition
Mateta’s rise reflects his importance at Palace, where he has become Glasner’s focal point in attack. His physicality, direct running, and clinical finishing have transformed him from a squad player to one of the Premier League’s in-form strikers.
| Stat (2025/26) | Jean-Philippe Mateta |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 10 |
| Goals | 4 |
| Assists | — |
| Shot conversion rate | –% |
source: sofascore match data – October 2025
The stats underline his consistency in front of goal this season, building on the confidence gained from his 17-goal haul last term.
Analyst verdict
FootballPlace analyst John William noted: “Mateta’s story is a reminder that persistence pays off. He has flourished under Glasner, scoring goals at a rate he has never managed before. Deschamps has rewarded that, but it’s also about profile — with Marcus Thuram sidelined, Mateta brings size, presence and penalty-box instincts.”
He added: “France have depth in attack, but Mateta’s journey shows late bloomers can still carve out a role at international level. This is his chance to prove he belongs among Europe’s elite.”
Key insights
- Deschamps confirmed Crystal Palace striker Mateta’s first senior France call-up.
- Striker has scored 34 goals in 69 games under Oliver Glasner.
- Mateta previously represented France at U19, U20, U21 and Olympic levels.
- Marcus Thuram’s injury created an opening, but Deschamps said Mateta was long considered.
- The 27-year-old has four goals in ten games this season.
What’s next for Mateta?
Mateta is in line to make his senior France debut during the October international break, a milestone moment in his career. With Les Bleus targeting qualification momentum, the Palace striker could seize an opportunity to show his scoring instincts translate to the international stage.
For Crystal Palace, the call-up underlines their growing reputation under Glasner. If Mateta shines in France colours, his value and confidence will only rise — an encouraging sign for Palace’s ambitions at home and abroad.
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