Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta has confirmed he has resolved his differences with former team-mate Wilfried Zaha after reports of a fallout between the pair during the international break.
The French forward, who recently earned his first senior call-up to the France national team, found himself at the centre of an unexpected controversy when comments he made about his international ambitions were interpreted as a slight toward Zaha.
Mateta, 28, made his debut for France earlier this month, featuring in a 3-0 World Cup qualifying win over Azerbaijan before scoring in a 2-2 draw with Iceland. However, in an interview with L’Équipe, he claimed that some of his former Crystal Palace colleagues “were laughing” when he once spoke of his dream to represent France comments that appeared to include Zaha, now playing for Charlotte FC in Major League Soccer.
Zaha, 32, responded emotionally on social media, saying his “head was on fire” after reading Mateta’s remarks and insisting he had never mocked or doubted his former team-mate’s ambitions. The Ivorian winger, who played alongside Mateta at Palace between 2021 and 2023, said he was “hurt” by the suggestion and made clear his respect for Mateta’s progress.
The exchange quickly drew attention from fans and pundits, especially given the pair’s close working relationship during their time together in south London. Zaha, a Palace legend with more than 450 appearances for the club, was instrumental in helping Mateta adapt to the Premier League following his move from Mainz.
However, Mateta has now moved to clear the air. Speaking ahead of Palace’s UEFA Conference League clash with AEK Larnaca, the striker told reporters the issue had been resolved privately.
“I spoke with him,” Mateta said. “Everything is good. We talked in private, and that’s it.”
The Frenchman, who has scored seven goals already this season, emphasised that the supposed rift had been blown out of proportion and that he remains focused on his football. “I’m focused on my season,” he added. “I’m just thinking about the next game.”
Mateta has been in superb form for Palace since Zaha’s departure to Galatasaray in 2023, registering 35 Premier League goals in 80 appearances. His recent France call-up marked a personal milestone and highlighted his growing influence under Oliver Glasner.
The striker’s calm resolution of the misunderstanding contrasts sharply with the heated online reactions that initially followed. Zaha, who remains a revered figure among Palace supporters, has since refrained from further comment, and both players appear keen to move on.
Club insiders have described their reconciliation as “amicable,” noting that the two share mutual respect despite now playing on different continents.
Zaha’s move to Charlotte FC this summer ended his brief stint in Turkey, where he helped Galatasaray win the league title in 2024. The Ivorian has spoken in recent months about the challenge of adapting to life in the United States and the importance of using his experience to inspire younger players — a sentiment that seems to extend to his former teammates in England.
Mateta, meanwhile, remains a key figure for Palace, who have made a steady start to their European campaign. The French striker’s performances have drawn praise from fans and analysts alike, many of whom see him as one of the Premier League’s most improved forwards over the past two seasons.
While the off-field drama briefly distracted from his international breakthrough, Mateta’s mature handling of the situation — and Zaha’s willingness to de-escalate — suggest that both men have put their disagreement firmly behind them.
As Mateta looks ahead to Thursday’s fixture, his focus appears firmly on maintaining his goal-scoring form and helping Crystal Palace progress in Europe. “It’s done,” he said of the issue. “Everything is good now.”
