9 Interesting Facts About Mathys Tel From Childhood in France
- Think Football Ideas
- Jun 30
- 4 min read
Full Name: Mathys Henri Tel
Date of Birth: 27 April 2005
Place of Birth: Sarcelles, France
Height: 1.83 m (6 ft 0 in)
Position(s): Forward
Current Club: Tottenham Hotspur
Jersey Number: 11
Whether you watched him in France, Germany, or just got to know him, Mathys Tel has got something. That spark. That edge. That electricity you can't quite put your finger on, but you feel it. Within the confines of modern football’s hype machine, it would be easy to think he's just another talented youngster riding the wave… all be it one with a record-breaking CV before turning 21.
But from his childhood days bouncing between youth clubs in Paris’ northern suburbs, one thing has been constant: his search for the next level. And while he’s still only scratching the surface of his potential, the signs are loud and clear. So, we’ve compiled 9 facts that offer an insightful look into Mathys Tel.
9 Interesting Facts About Mathys Tel From Childhood in France
1. He Had An Adventurous Early Career In Football
Before the headlines and transfer buzz, Mathys Tel was zigzagging across Paris’ grassroots scene like a kid chasing dreams on concrete pitches. From JS Villiers-le-Bel to Paris FC, then onto AS Jeunesse Aubervilliers and Montrouge FC 92, he was on a constant football pilgrimage.
In 2020, he landed at Rennes, where the path to professional football finally solidified. Each club shaped a layer of his game: street smarts, positional awareness, flair. It’s a footballer’s origin story with spice and mileage.
2. He Broke Eduardo Camavinga's Record At Rennes
Now this was a moment. On 15 August 2021, just 16 years and 110 days old, Mathys Tel made his professional debut for Rennes in a gritty 1–1 Ligue 1 draw against Brest. That appearance didn’t just put him on the team sheet, it put him in the history books.
Tel became the youngest player to ever feature for Rennes, eclipsing a record previously held by none other than Eduardo Camavinga. Talk about stepping into the limelight with boots laced and ready to disrupt. It was Tel’s “here I am” moment.
3. He is of Guadeloupean Descent
Though born in Sarcelles, just north of Paris, Mathys Tel’s roots stretch far beyond the French capital. His family hails from Guadeloupe, the vibrant Caribbean island that’s long punched above its weight in producing footballing flair.
That Guadeloupean heritage is evident in Tel’s expressive style - fluid, instinctive, and fiercely proud. It’s a lineage that’s gifted French football players like Thierry Henry and Lilian Thuram, and Tel seems keen to carry the torch.
4. He Started As A Centre-Back
Tel’s footballing journey began not in attack, but at the back. Yes, this now razor-sharp forward was originally a centre-back. Those early defensive reps taught him about reading the game, positioning, and physical duels, traits that still sneak into his forward play.
As he matured, coaches noticed his dynamism and technical gifts and gradually pushed him further up the pitch. By the time he hit Rennes’ youth setup, he’d already transformed into a multi-role forward.
5. He Set Some Records While Playing For Bayern Munich
Bayern Munich isn’t exactly known for handing out records to teenagers, but Tel didn’t wait for permission. After signing in the summer of 2022 for a reported €28.5 million, he wasted no time.
On 31 August 2022, he became Bayern’s youngest-ever goalscorer in a DFB-Pokal clash against Viktoria Köln, breaking the record set by Jamal Musiala. Then came his first Bundesliga goal just days later. Big stage, bright lights, no fear. At a club where minutes aren’t gifted to youngsters, Tel grabbed his spotlight and made it stick.
6. He Captained France To Victory At The UEFA U17 Euros In 2022
Leadership? Check. Tel didn’t just show up at the 2022 UEFA Under-17 European Championship, he bossed it. Wearing the armband for France U17s, he guided his team to glory in Israel, scoring three goals, including a brace against Bulgaria.
He captained the side on three occasions, driving them past Portugal in a dramatic semi-final shootout before lifting the trophy after a tense 2–1 final win over the Netherlands on 1 June 2022. It was Tel’s first taste of international silverware, and he wore it well.
7. He is in A Relationship With Miss France 2023
Off the pitch, Tel’s got the tabloids buzzing too. Since 2024, he’s been in a relationship with Indira Ampiot, none other than Miss France 2023. It’s a pairing that’s made some waves, France’s golden couple of youth, elegance, and ambition.
While Tel bangs in goals, Ampiot conquers the red carpet. The two seem to complement each other perfectly, driven, in the spotlight, yet grounded. If you’re writing the modern football fairytale, this subplot fits like a glove.
8. His Current Market Value Of Mathys Tel is £30m
After his loan stint, Tottenham Hotspur didn’t hesitate, they locked in Mathys Tel permanently in June 2025. The reported fee? A cool £30 million. For a 20-year-old still breaking through, that figure speaks volumes. It’s not just a number, it’s an investment in potential, explosiveness, and long-term firepower.
Spurs saw enough in his late-season burst - 13 league games, 11 starts, 3 goals - to bet big. For Spurs fans, they'll be hoping he picks up right where he left off, turning glimpses of brilliance into full-blown fireworks in the long run.
9. His Style of Play is Exciting
Watching Mathys Tel is like catching lightning in football boots. He’s not just quick, he’s explosive, dancing past defenders with balance and fearlessness.
Able to play anywhere across the front line, he thrives in one-on-one situations, often isolating full-backs and beating them for fun.
There’s a rawness to his game, sure, but that unpredictability is part of the charm. He’s direct, hungry, and has the kind of swagger that makes fans lean forward and defenders backpedal.
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