Wilfried Zaha Slams Former Palace Teammate Over ‘Nasty’ Comments
Former Crystal Palace star Wilfried Zaha has hit back at Jean-Philippe Mateta following controversial reflections about their time together at Selhurst Park.
The Ivorian winger took to social media to defend himself after Mateta suggested Zaha mocked his intentions to play for France.
The disagreement erupted when Mateta, who lately earned his first elderly cap for France during a World Cup qualifier against Azerbaijan, opened up about his early days at Palace.
Wilfried Zaha responds to Jean-Phillipe Mateta after being called out for laughing at his dreams of playing for France one day pic.twitter.com/uw7U0GBFod
— ESPN UK (@ESPNUK) October 16, 2025
The striker claimed that some teammates, including Zaha, had laughed at his goal of representing the French national team. Mateta called the behavior “nasty” and “disgusting.”
For many Eagles supporters, Mateta’s rise to international football seemed improbable just a year ago. Yet, the 28-year-old striker marked his debut with a goal in a 2-2 draw against Iceland, proving his critics wrong.
Zaha responded swiftly, rejecting the notion that he ever ridiculed Mateta’s ambitions. The winger explained that any laughter was simply friendly banter, not meant to belittle anyone.
“It’s disgusting when I see that someone who I thought was a friend does that,” Zaha wrote.
- He firmly denied mocking Mateta and stressed the camaraderie they once shared.
- Zaha expressed shock over the “nasty” characterization of their interactions.
- He highlighted that he publicly congratulated Mateta on his national team success.
The fallout leaves fans wondering if Mateta will respond to Zaha’s rebuttal. Both players are now concentrated on their careers.
Mateta aims to cement his place in the French team, while Zaha continues his trip with Charlotte FC in the US.
This occasion serves as a stark memorial of how snappily gemütlichkeit in football can be tested. Words carry weight, and comprehension can change in a moment.
For Zaha and Mateta, the history is in the limelight, but their sights remain forcefully on the future.
