Mateo Joseph: Bio, Salary, Net worth, Lifestyle, Club and International Career

Mateo Joseph Fernández-Regatillo has become one of the brightest young forwards in English football in a remarkably short time. Born in Spain but eligible to play for England and Spain at international level, Joseph's story has been one of astute transfers, clinical finishing, and an increasingly touted reputation as an effective attacker. Since joining Leeds United in January 2022, he has progressed from a promising academy prospect to becoming an integral part of their successful 2024-25 EFL Championship-winning campaign, supplying key goals and earning himself a contract extension until 2028.

Joseph's growth began in Santander, where his mixed heritage (an English dad of Antiguan descent and a Spanish mum) determined his early career ambitions. Having spent time at Racing Santander and the youth team of Espanyol, he was signed by Leeds with his goal-scoring ability. His appearance in November 2022 against Wolverhampton Wanderers was the start of a steady rise, sealed with a brace in the 2024 FA Cup against Chelsea, a showing that announced his arrival on the big stage.

Joseph's current form has also caught Premier League clubs' attention, with West Ham United monitoring his progress. A peripheral figure for Leeds during this season, his ability and age make him valuable. Below are the facts regarding his life, career, and finances.

Mateo Joseph Bio

Joseph's journey began in Escobedo de Camargo, where he played for local side UM Escobedo before joining Racing Santander's academy. His talent shone, leading to a move to Espanyol's academy in 2017. In January 2022, he signed with Leeds United, initially playing for their U23 side before breaking into the first team. His bio table is as follows:

Mateo Joseph Family and Early Life

Mateo Joseph’s multicultural background has been a defining aspect of his identity. Born in Santander to an English father of Antiguan descent, and his mother Spanish, making him the nephew of former England international Emile Heskey. This connection adds a layer of footballing heritage, and his early life was marked by dedication, leaving home at 13 to join Espanyol's academy in Barcelona. Grew up in the small town of Escobedo de Camargo. His early years were split between Spain and England, allowing him to fluently navigate both cultures, a trait that later influenced his international career choices.

Football became Joseph’s passion early on. He joined local club UM Escobedo at age six, where his goal-scoring instincts quickly stood out. By 2013, he’d moved to Racing Santander’s academy, spending four years there before Espanyol snapped him up in 2017. These formative years honed his technical skills and physicality, setting the stage for his eventual leap to English football.

Playing Style and Strengths

Joseph is a modern forward who combines traditional striker instincts with adaptability. Some of the notable points of his playing style and strengths are as follows:

• Standing at 1.80 meters (5’11”), he uses his strength to hold up play and his pace to exploit gaps in defensive lines.
• His positioning in the box is exceptional, evident in his near-post finish against Hull City in 2024, where he met Manor Solomon’s cross with precision.
• One of his standout traits is his composure under pressure. During Leeds’ 2024-25 promotion campaign, Joseph often delivered in critical moments, including a match-winning header against Sheffield Wednesday.
• His ability to switch between central and wide attacking roles makes him a tactical asset, while his work rate off the ball aligns with Leeds’ high-pressing philosophy.

Mateo Joseph Net Worth

The biggest question that rises is what is Mateo Joseph net worth? As of 2025, Mateo Joseph’s estimated net worth is £1.5–2 million (Source: Capology), primarily accumulated through his football contracts and endorsements, though this is an approximation and may vary. His current Leeds deal, signed in January 2024, guarantees a base salary of £780,000 annually (£15,000/week), with performance-based bonuses potentially adding another £200,000.

While endorsement details remain private, Joseph has partnered with sportswear brands and local businesses in Yorkshire. Financial analysts note that a move to the Premier League could double his earnings, given the league’s higher wage structure.

Mateo Joseph Salary

Mateo Joseph salary is a point of discussion. This salary reflects his growing importance to Leeds, with his contract extended to June 30, 2028, in January 2024, suggesting potential for future increases as he progresses.

Note: Salaries and net worth are approximate and based on available data from various sources.

Mateo Joseph Partner

There is limited public information on Joseph's personal life, particularly regarding a wife or partner, suggesting he keeps this private, focusing on his career.

As a young professional footballer, he likely enjoys benefits like living in a nice area and access to top training facilities, but specific lifestyle details are not widely available, common for athletes early in their careers. The young forward Mateo appears focused on his career, often sharing training updates and match highlights on social media without mentions of a romantic relationship.

Mateo Joseph Career

Let's dive deep into Mateo Joseph career. Joseph’s career trajectory is a blend of patience and seizing opportunities. After leaving Espanyol’s academy for Leeds in 2022, he initially struggled for minutes but showcased his potential in cup competitions. His 2024 FA Cup goals against Chelsea and consistent Championship performances earned him a starting role in Leeds’ promotion push.

Club Career

Mateo Joseph’s career has been a steady climb through youth and professional ranks. After developing in Spain’s youth systems, his move to Leeds United in 2022 marked a pivotal moment. Initially, he found first-team opportunities limited, but he made the most of his chances in cup competitions and substitute appearances. His breakthrough came during the 2023-24 season, where his performances in the Championship and FA Cup helped Leeds push for promotion. Joseph's club career with Leeds United, starting from November 2022, includes:

International Career

Internationally, Joseph’s dual eligibility led to a unique path. He debuted for England U20 in 2023 but switched to Spain U21 in 2024, citing a desire to represent his mother’s homeland. This decision has paid off, with five goals in four appearances for Spain’s youth team. His International Career Stats is as follows:

Note: The numbers can be different in different sources due to differences in accounting of assists and goals based on different rules.

Mateo Joseph’s Awards and Achievements

Despite being early in his professional journey, Mateo Joseph has already begun to make his mark with notable achievements. The highlight of his career so far is winning the EFL Championship with Leeds United in 2025, a triumph that secured the club’s promotion to the Premier League and showcased his valuable contributions throughout the season.

Individually, Joseph was recognized as one of the “Championship Young Players to Watch” in 2024, reflecting his growing reputation in English football. Additionally, during his youth career at Espanyol, he was frequently among the top scorers in his age group. As his career progresses, more team honors and individual accolades are expected to follow. Here's a list of his Awards and Achievements: