Jean-Mattéo, you’re currently at the UEFA U21 European Championship. France will take on Germany in the semi-finals, setting up a reunion for you with Ansgar Knauff, Nnamdi Collins, Nathaniel Brown and Elias Baum. How much are you looking forward to it?
“It’s an honour to represent your country at the U21 EURO, especially so when it’s your first call-up for the U21s, like it is for me. The match against Germany will be something very special for me because I’ll be playing against friends – people who know me and who I know very well. Hopefully we’ll make it to the final.”
You made your debut for the U21s in the 4-1 group-stage win over Poland, and even started the match. Is the senior national team the next step?
“It’s definitely an objective. I’ve played in all the youth national teams. But it’s a very, very long road. Maybe it’ll happen one day.”
You scored your first goal for Eintracht against Ajax last season. Do you often think back on that moment?
“Yes, absolutely. It was a great evening for me and for the team [a 4-1 home win in the second leg of the UEFA Europa League last 16]. I scored and was delighted. I saw that there were a lot of players in front of me, so I played a quick pass to Mario Götze. Hugo Ekitiké found a bit of space, I passed to him and went for the one-two. He did brilliantly – he waited and played a perfect return ball. Then all I had to do was finish it.”
You also scored three days later in a 3-1 away win over Bochum. And in that game you set a new speed record of 37.16 km/h.
“Of course, it feels great to have set a new record, but I didn’t even notice at the time. For me, it was just like any other sprint. I’ve always had that ability, but I didn’t know that I’d be one of the fastest one day. I’ve worked hard at it with the fitness coaches, both in Angers and Frankfurt.”
Hugo Ekitiké set up two of your three goals in 2024/25. What’s your relationship like with him?
“Hugo’s a great striker. He knows when to pass the ball, which isn’t always the case with some forwards. He respects the game. By that I mean that he shoots when it’s on for him, but he’ll also pass when it’s the right time to do so. He helps me every day. We get on really well on and off the pitch. It’s great.”
You moved to Eintracht in January 2024 ahead of the second half of the 2023/24 season. Last term you made 33 competitive appearances. Is everything going to plan?
“Yes. I’ve worked hard and I think I earned those appearances. I never had any doubts. The club had a clear plan for me from day one. First, to settle in, adapt, and get used to the Bundesliga. The coach kept telling me my chance would come. I really enjoyed last season. That motivates me to keep pushing.”
You made it to the quarter-finals of the Europa League. What was it like to make your European debut at just 19?
“I wasn’t surprised by the teams we faced. I knew how strong the opposition would be, like everyone else. Playing in European competition is brilliant. I used to watch the matches on TV from Tuesday to Thursday as a kid. And it’s magical to be part of it myself now.”
