The Palace man has been in action for the hosts at this summer's Games football tournament, and – as any Palace would expect given his recent scoring run – has continued to showcase his lethal finishing on the international stage, with 18 goals in his last 18 games for club and country prior to Friday evening's Gold Medal match.
Indeed, by firing in two vital goals in the semi-final win over Egypt, Mateta ensured he would become the first-ever player to win an Olympic medal while playing for Palace.
In Friday's Gold Medal match against Spain, France took an early lead through a fortuitous goal from Enzo Millot – but found themselves 3-1 behind at the interval as their visitors dominated the rest of the half.
But France and Mateta fought back superbly in the second period, reducing the deficit with 11 minutes remaining when Maghnes Akliouche deflected in a Michael Olise free-kick.
And in the very dying seconds, when Arnaud Kalimuendo was wrestled to the ground and VAR awarded a penalty, Mateta stepped forwards and took on the ultimate responsibility from 12 yards.
He duly sent the goalkeeper the wrong way – and his country into ecstasy. His fifth goal of the tournament, invaluable.
