From Rennes to Bayern Munich and Tottenham Hotspur, Mathys Tel's journey is a testament to his prodigious talent and relentless ambition. At just 19, he is already making waves in the football world, with a career trajectory that promises greatness.
Introduction
Mathys Henri Tel, born on 27 April 2005, is a French professional footballer whose name is rapidly becoming synonymous with potential and excellence in European football. Currently on loan from Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich to Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur, Tel is a forward whose speed, technical prowess, and natural finishing skills have already made him a standout player. At just 19 years old, he has captured the attention of football enthusiasts and experts alike, with many predicting a stellar future for this young talent.
Tel's journey began in France, where he honed his skills at various youth academies before catching the eye of Bayern Munich scouts. His move to Bayern in 2022 marked the beginning of his professional career with one of Europe's most successful clubs. Despite fierce competition, Tel quickly made a name for himself with his adaptability and determination. His subsequent loan to Tottenham Hotspur offers him a new challenge in the Premier League, a league known for its high intensity and competitive nature. This move is seen as a crucial step in his development, providing him with the opportunity to gain valuable experience and further prove his worth on a global stage.
Club Career
Rennes: A Record-Breaking Beginning
Mathys Tel's professional journey began at Rennes, where he moved after developing his skills at Paris FC's youth system. In 2020, he joined Rennes and quickly impressed the coaching staff with his exceptional talent. By the age of 16, he had earned a spot in the first team, making his professional debut on 15 August 2021 in a Ligue 1 match against Brest. At 16 years and 110 days, Tel became the youngest player to ever feature in an official match for Rennes, breaking the previous record held by Eduardo Camavinga. This milestone was a clear indication of his prodigious talent and the high expectations surrounding his future.
Bayern Munich: A Rising Star in Germany
Tel's performances at Rennes did not go unnoticed, and in July 2022, he signed a four-year contract with Bayern Munich for a transfer fee of €28.5 million, including bonuses. His debut season at Bayern was marked by record-breaking feats. On 31 August 2022, he scored his first goal for the club in a 5–0 DFB-Pokal victory over Viktoria Köln, becoming Bayern’s youngest-ever goalscorer in a competitive match at just 17 years and 126 days old. His Bundesliga breakthrough came shortly after, as he found the net in a 2–2 draw against Stuttgart on 10 September 2022, making him the youngest scorer for Bayern in the German top flight.
In the 2023–24 season, Tel continued to impress, delivering crucial moments for Bayern. On 2 September 2023, he scored a last-minute winner in a 2–1 away victory over Borussia Mönchengladbach, ending Bayern’s five-match winless streak against them. His performances in the UEFA Champions League further highlighted his growing influence, with decisive goals against Manchester United and Copenhagen. Recognizing his potential, Bayern extended Tel’s contract until 2029 on 6 March 2024.
Tottenham Hotspur: A New Challenge in the Premier League
Despite his promising displays, Tel struggled to secure regular playing time under new Bayern manager Vincent Kompany during the 2024–25 season. With limited opportunities, Bayern opted to send him on loan to Tottenham Hotspur on 3 February 2025. The loan deal included an option for a permanent transfer, reportedly set at £50 million. Tel made an immediate impact at Tottenham, scoring his first goal for the club on 9 February in an FA Cup clash against Aston Villa. Although Spurs suffered a 2–1 defeat, his stoppage-time goal showcased his ability to make a difference in crucial moments.
International Career
Mathys Tel has been a key figure in France’s youth international setup, showcasing his goal-scoring ability and leadership qualities across various age groups. He first gained recognition at the international level in September 2021 when he was called up to the France under-18 team. His performances quickly established him as a prolific goal scorer, earning him consistent opportunities to represent France in youth competitions.
In May 2022, Tel was selected to represent the France under-17 team in the UEFA European Under-17 Championship, held in Israel. He played a crucial role in leading the team to success, scoring three goals in the group stage and captaining the team on three occasions. France secured a 2–1 victory over the Netherlands in the final, marking a major milestone in Tel’s young career.
Despite his success with the national youth teams, Tel’s participation in international tournaments has occasionally been restricted due to club commitments. In May 2023, Bayern Munich prevented him from joining the France under-20 squad for the FIFA U-20 World Cup. A similar situation arose in 2024 when Bayern denied him permission to compete in the Summer Olympics, which were set to take place in France.
Style of Play
Mathys Tel began his footballing journey as a centre-back, which allowed him to develop a strong defensive understanding and positional awareness. However, his exceptional technical ability, agility, and intensity quickly made him a versatile asset capable of thriving in multiple positions. His adaptability has been a key factor in his rapid rise, enabling him to contribute effectively in various attacking roles.
As he progressed in his career, Tel transitioned into more advanced positions on the field, showcasing his ability to play as a winger, centre-forward, and attacking midfielder. His pace, dribbling skills, and ability to take on defenders make him a constant threat in one-on-one situations, while his finishing ability has allowed him to excel in goal-scoring positions. His style of play has often drawn comparisons to Anthony Martial, as both possess a blend of technical finesse, quick movement, and attacking instinct.
Iconic Performances
Mathys Tel has already delivered several standout performances in his young career, showcasing his immense potential on both the club and international stages. His ability to step up in crucial moments has solidified his reputation as one of football’s brightest young talents.
One of Tel’s earliest iconic performances came during the 2022 UEFA European Under-17 Championship, where he played a key role in France’s triumphant campaign. His standout moments included a brace against Bulgaria in the group stage and a crucial goal against Poland. As a leader on the field, he captained the team on three occasions, helping France navigate through intense knockout matches, including a dramatic semi-final against Portugal. In the final against the Netherlands, Tel played a pivotal role as France secured a 2–1 victory, lifting the European title.
Tel announced himself in Germany at club level with record-breaking performances during his debut season at Bayern Munich in 2022–23. On 31 August 2022, he became the club’s youngest-ever goalscorer at just 17 years and 126 days old when he found the net in a 5–0 DFB-Pokal win over Viktoria Köln. Less than two weeks later, he set another record as Bayern’s youngest Bundesliga goalscorer, scoring in a 2–2 draw against Stuttgart.
During the 2023–24 season, Tel delivered several match-winning moments for Bayern. On 2 September 2023, he scored a dramatic late winner in a 2–1 away victory over Borussia Mönchengladbach, ending Bayern’s five-match winless run against them. Later in the season, he showcased his ability to perform on the biggest stage with back-to-back decisive goals in the UEFA Champions League group stage.
After joining Tottenham Hotspur on loan in February 2025, Tel wasted no time making an impact in English football. On 9 February, he scored his first goal for Spurs in an FA Cup clash against Aston Villa, finding the net in stoppage time. Although Spurs suffered a 2–1 defeat, his performance highlighted his ability to influence games even in difficult moments.
Career Statistics
| Club | Season | League | National Cup | League Cup | Europe | Other | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rennes B | 2021–22 | 6 | 6 | — | — | — | 6 |
| Rennes | 2021–22 | 7 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — | 7 |
| Bayern Munich | 2022–23 | 22 | 5 | 1 | 1 | — | 28 |
| Bayern Munich | 2023–24 | 30 | 7 | 2 | 1 | — | 40 |
| Bayern Munich | 2024–25 | 8 | 0 | 3 | 0 | — | 11 |
| Tottenham Hotspur | 2024–25 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | — | 4 |
| Career Total | 75 | 18 | 8 | 3 | 1 | 105 |
Honours and Achievements
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Bayern Munich
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Bundesliga: 2022–23
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France U17
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UEFA European Under-17 Championship: 2022
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Individual
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Bayern Munich’s youngest-ever goalscorer in the Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal
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Looking Ahead
Mathys Tel’s career is still in its early stages, but his potential suggests a bright future at both club and international levels. His loan move to Tottenham Hotspur offers a significant opportunity for growth, challenging him in new ways and providing a platform to showcase his versatility and goal-scoring ability on one of the biggest stages in club football.
At the international level, Tel is gradually working his way up the ranks, having already represented France at various youth levels. With Euro 2028 and the 2030 FIFA World Cup on the horizon, he will be eager to establish himself in the senior national team setup. His performances in club football will likely determine how soon he receives a call-up to the senior squad.
As he continues to develop, consistency will be key. While he has already demonstrated flashes of brilliance, maintaining high-level performances over an entire season will be necessary to cement his place as a top forward. Improving his finishing, decision-making in the final third, and overall tactical awareness will be essential as he competes against the best defenders in Europe.
With his talent, work ethic, and the experience he is gaining at the highest level, Tel has the potential to become one of the standout forwards of his generation. Whether he establishes himself as a key figure at Bayern Munich, secures a long-term future in the Premier League, or becomes a regular for the French national team, the years ahead will be defining for his career. If he continues on his current trajectory, he could be set for a career filled with trophies, records, and global recognition.
