Matheus França de Oliveira

Matheus França de Oliveira (born 1 April 2004) is a Brazilian professional footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder or forward for Premier League club Crystal Palace.

Club career Early career França was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and joined local club Flamengo at the age of 12, after being one of the stand-out performers playing for Olaria. He became part of the Flamengo youth team and was considered, alongside Lázaro, one of the club's greatest young players after Vinícius Júnior.

Flamengo França debuted in the Flamengo's professional team on 6 December 2021 in a Campeonato Brasileiro Série A match against Santos at Maracanã Stadium, he replaced Éverton Ribeiro on the 78th minute. He had a €200 million release clause in his Flamengo contract.

On 25 January 2022, Flamengo extended França's contract until 30 April 2027. On 23 February 2023, França extended his contract with Flamengo until 31 December 2028.

Crystal Palace On 1 August 2023, it was reported that Flamengo negotiated França's potential transfer to Premier League club Crystal Palace, for a reported fee around €20 million (about R$104 million), plus €5m in bonuses. On 5 August, França officially joined Crystal Palace on a five-year contract; he was given the number 11 which had previously been worn by Wilfried Zaha. On 21 October, he made his debut for the club in a 4–0 loss against Newcastle United.

França made his first start for the club on 4 January 2024 in a 0–0 draw with Everton in the third round of the FA Cup and was voted man of the match by Palace supporters following his performance. On 24 February, he registered his first assist for the club in a 3–0 win against Burnley, setting up a goal for Jordan Ayew. He also won a penalty in the same match which was subsequently scored by Jean-Philippe Mateta. On 2 April 2025, França scored his first goal for Palace, a 92-minute equalizer in a 1–1 away draw against Southampton.

International career França has played internationally for Brazil at under-16 level with six appearances.

França has made three appearances for the Brazil U20 team. He was called-up to represent Brazil at the 2023 South American U-20 Championship, but Flamengo asked for his release to play in the FIFA Club World Cup.

Career statistics

Honours Flamengo Copa Libertadores: 2022 Copa do Brasil: 2022

Crystal Palace FA Cup: 2024–25