Mateo Joseph’s incredible Spain U21 form continued on Friday night with a goal against The Czech Republic, a complete mirror to his rate of goals at Leeds United.
A 2-2 draw that saw Spain take the lead through Joseph, blasting home a left-footed effort. But the Spaniards’ opponents quickly turned the game on its head, before Spain made it 2-2 in the late stages.
Joseph has struggled however, this season. Just three goals for Leeds, but six for Spain’s second string. The striker has been forced to play second fiddle to Joel Piroe for much of the 2024-25 campaign.
As he remains second choice however, there is a chance that Joseph may return to his home country. Just in January, Joseph was the subject of a £10m bid from La Liga side Real Betis – but Leeds rejected the bid.
Mateo Joseph admits he loves watching old club Santander
Joining Santander as a 10-year-old in 2013, he remained with the Spanish side until he was 14 before moving to Espanyol. It was not until he joined Leeds that he finally made his first-team senior debut.
Speaking to reporters after his goal for Spain’s U21 side, Joseph shared his admiration of his old youth club. He says that he is still watching Santander with Joseph likely to return to Spanish football soon.
“In the end, I was in my town’s team, Escobedo, and Racing, the biggest club there is in Cantabria, was called to Benjamin’s cabin. At that time, I expected no less,” Joseph told reporters about Santander.
“But it was incredible to play for Racing and to train there. I’m happy with the way things are going. I’m watching them now. The games are very charming. They play very good football, I wish them the best.”
Mateo Joseph’s Leeds form compared to Spain U21 goals
Taking a look at social media, his demeanour and his form while on duty with Spain’s U21 side it is clear to see that Joseph loves being with his country. Especially, after Joseph was called-up to senior training.
Eyed by Luis De La Fuente for the 2026 World Cup squad, Joseph is on the right path towards a break through into the Spain squad. But, at club level, he could not be further away from earning a call-up.
| Team | Games (Starts) | Minutes | Goals | Assists | Minutes per G+A |
| Spain | 6 (4) | 315 | 7 | 0 | 45 |
| Leeds | 38 (13) | 1428 | 3 | 3 | 238 |
He will be on the bench on Saturday again when Leeds take on Swansea, but his focus will be Germany’s U21 squad on Tuesday. Leeds fans will be hoping in the last eight games, his Spain form is transferred.
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