Jean-Philippe Mateta has faced a challenging few months, but the Crystal Palace striker is now determined to turn his fortunes around and chase a childhood dream: representing France at the World Cup this summer.

The 28-year-old's journey hit a major setback when a proposed move to AC Milan collapsed last winter. To make matters worse, the knee injury that scuppered that transfer forced him to step away from the pitch for an extended recovery period. That layoff meant he missed out on France's most recent squad call-up, having only just earned a taste of international football last autumn.

But Mateta isn't letting those hurdles define him. Now fully fit and back to 100%, he has his sights firmly set on donning the blue jersey again. "I thought about it every day when I was injured," he told L'Équipe in an interview. "I'll do everything I can to make it happen—by showing on the pitch that I'm ready, by working like a madman."

The striker acknowledges the magnitude of the opportunity. "It's different from the 2024 Olympics. Firstly, I don't have the same status in the squad, and secondly, it's the gathering of the world's best players. It's a childhood dream—like saying to yourself, 'I can score for the French national team.' If I can help the team, I'll be the happiest person in the world."

Since returning from injury, Mateta has played in each of Crystal Palace's last 10 matches, using that consistent game time to rebuild his confidence and rediscover his scoring touch. He found the net against Fiorentina in the first leg of the Conference League quarter-finals, then followed it up with a brilliant brace against Newcastle United just days later.

That resurgence will surely catch the eye of France manager Didier Deschamps, who faces some tough selection decisions with Hugo Ekitike ruled out of the World Cup. With a few more chances to prove himself before the squad is finalized, Mateta is perfectly positioned to seize the moment and turn that childhood dream into reality.