Mateo Joseph

On January 22, 2022, Mateo Joseph completed his move to Leeds United, signing a professional contract with the English club. The young forward joined Leeds from Espanyol, where he had developed as part of their youth academy. His decision to join Leeds United was driven by the club's commitment to developing young talents and providing them with opportunities to excel in one of the most competitive leagues in the world—the Premier League. Joseph's transition from Espanyol to Leeds is seen as a promising step in his career, as he brings a proven goal-scoring capability from his time in Spanish football. Leeds United and their manager expressed their excitement over acquiring a young player of Joseph's talent and potential, highlighting the club's emphasis on nurturing future stars.

On March 15, 2022, Mateo Joseph took part in Leeds United's first-team training camp, which was organized to integrate promising young talents with senior players. This opportunity allowed Joseph to experience the demands and expectations of first-team football firsthand, while also learning from seasoned professionals about their experiences in the Premier League. Joseph's participation in the camp was a testament to the club's recognition of his potential and its willingness to invest in his development as a future first-team player. The training camp provided Joseph with valuable insights into the tactical aspects of the game, the importance of physical conditioning, and the mental fortitude required to succeed at the highest level. It also allowed the club's coaching staff to evaluate his progress and identify areas for improvement, ensuring that he remained on a clear developmental path within the Leeds United framework.

On May 6, 2022, Mateo Joseph made his debut for Leeds United's U23 team in a Premier League 2 Division 1 match against Arsenal U23. The match, held at the Emirates Stadium, was a pivotal moment for Joseph as he aimed to showcase his skills and adapt to English football. Joseph came on as a substitute and quickly made an impact with his energetic play and attacking mindset, which impressed fans and coaches alike. His debut marked the beginning of his journey within the Leeds United setup, where he hoped to earn regular starts and eventually break into the first team. The young forward viewed the match as an important step in acclimating to the pace and physical nature of English football, and his performance was a positive indicator of his potential impact at the club.

On August 9, 2022, Mateo Joseph scored his first goal for Leeds United's U23 team in a match against Manchester City U23. The game was part of the Premier League 2 Division 1 and took place at the City Football Academy. Joseph's goal came in the second half, where he showcased his adept positioning and finishing abilities by converting a well-placed cross into the back of the net. This goal was significant for Joseph as it marked his arrival as a key player for the U23 team and demonstrated his goal-scoring prowess—a crucial asset for a forward. Following the game, Joseph received praise from his coaches, who emphasized his talent and determination to succeed at a challenging level of competition. This performance bolstered his confidence and his aspirations to secure a place in Leeds United's first team.

On November 19, 2022, Mateo Joseph announced his decision to represent Spain at international level, despite being eligible to play for England due to his dual nationality. Born to Spanish and English parents, Joseph had the option to play for either country but ultimately chose Spain, reflecting his strong connection to his Spanish heritage. This decision was influenced by his previous involvement with Spanish youth teams and his belief in Spain's footballing philosophy. Joseph's choice was widely discussed in both Spanish and English football communities, and it was seen as a significant moment for his international career. His commitment to representing Spain highlighted his aspirations to contribute to a renowned footballing nation and compete at the highest levels, including the European Championships and World Cups, with a team known for its technical prowess and tactical acumen.

On February 14, 2023, Mateo Joseph signed a new contract with Leeds United, extending his stay with the club until 2026. This new contract was a testament to Leeds United's confidence in Joseph's abilities and potential to become a key player for their first team in the future. The young forward had impressed since joining the club, showcasing his goal-scoring talent and work ethic with the U23s, and his performances had not gone unnoticed by the club's management. The decision to offer Joseph a long-term contract was seen as a strategic move by Leeds to secure the services of a promising young forward amidst interest from other clubs. Both the player and the club expressed their satisfaction and excitement about what the future holds as Joseph continued his development at Elland Road.

On March 28, 2023, Mateo Joseph scored the decisive goal for Leeds United U23 in a thrilling 3-2 victory over Paris Saint-Germain U23 in the Premier League International Cup. The match was held at Elland Road, and Joseph's performance was key to Leeds' success against a highly competitive PSG side. His goal came in the closing minutes of the game, showcasing his ability to perform in clutch situations and deliver results for his team. This victory advanced Leeds U23 to the semi-finals of the competition and highlighted Joseph's potential as a match-winner. His knack for scoring important goals and his resilience on the pitch further endeared him to fans and solidified his reputation as an emerging talent within English football. His performance in this tournament continued to raise his profile among club and national team scouts.

On April 10, 2023, Mateo Joseph received a call-up to join the Spain U21 national team for upcoming international fixtures. This was a significant milestone in Joseph's burgeoning career as it marked his first involvement with the Spanish national setup at this age level. The call-up reflected Joseph's excellent form and performances with Leeds United, particularly with their U23 team, where he had established himself as a promising talent with consistent goal-scoring displays. As part of the Spanish youth program, Joseph was expected to continue his development alongside some of the most talented young players in the country. Playing for Spain U21 offered him the opportunity to showcase his skills on an international stage and gain valuable experience against top-level competition.

On August 18, 2023, Mateo Joseph delivered an outstanding performance by scoring a hat-trick for Leeds United U23 in a Premier League 2 match against Liverpool U23. The match, held at Thorp Arch, showcased Joseph's exceptional talent and his ability to perform under pressure. His goals came from a blend of individual skill, teamwork, and clinical finishing, underscoring his development as a forward. Joseph's hat-trick played a pivotal role in securing a 4-2 victory for Leeds U23 and further solidified his status as a standout player within the youth ranks. This performance caught the attention of first-team coaches, who recognized his potential for inclusion in the senior squad. Celebrated by fans and analysts, Joseph's hat-trick was considered one of the highlights of the Premier League 2 season.

On September 12, 2023, Mateo Joseph made his first-team debut for Leeds United in an EFL Cup match against Hull City. This debut was a pivotal moment in Joseph's career as it represented his transition from youth to senior football at the club. Joseph was brought on as a substitute in the second half and demonstrated his potential by making intelligent runs and linking up play effectively with his teammates. Although the match ended without a goal for Joseph, his performance was commendable, earning plaudits from the manager and fans who appreciated his effort and technical ability. His debut for the first team marked an important step toward securing a regular spot in the senior squad, and he expressed his ambition to contribute more significantly in upcoming games.