The Architect of the Game: Mattéo Teixeira-Lussier

He has the name to be a winner—and more importantly, he has the mindset to match. Driven by success, Mattéo Teixeira is steadily rising among the most talented players of his age, chasing the dream of one day wearing the Montreal Impact jersey. But between intense training sessions and matches with various clubs, this young man also has to stay on track academically, a reminder his parents never fail to give.

At École secondaire du Chêne-Bleu, his classmates watch him leave school early each day, unaware he spends two hours commuting daily to train. For two years now, Mattéo has been enrolled in his school's sport-study program, where he stays focused on the green fields that constantly remind him why he trains so hard and why he loves the beautiful game.

“Mattéo has always had a passion for soccer,” says his father, Jose Maria Teixeira, a former elite player. “Training has never been a chore for him. His work ethic is what brought him this far.”

And "this far" means a spot in a AAA club—Saint-Laurent SC—one of the top levels a young player his age can reach. Living in Vaudreuil-Dorion, Mattéo had to look beyond the FC Trois-Lacs AA teams to find a level of play that matched his potential.

Going Far to Go Farther

He’s one of the few in his age group to leave his home region for soccer. For four years, he’s played with various elite clubs, including three seasons with Mont-Royal-Outremont.

“I just really wanted to improve,” says Mattéo confidently. “My goal was to make it to the Quebec Games, like my dad did.”

He achieved that goal three years earlier than his father, representing Lac Saint-Louis last summer. His dream continued with his selection to the Quebec U14 team—chosen from 150 players, only 18 were selected. Wherever he’s gone, Mattéo has been named team captain, a testament to his leadership and presence.

“Mattéo has shown incredible determination,” says his father proudly. “He’s faced setbacks—like going unnoticed at the Danone Nations Cup twice—but never let that discourage him.”

Mattéo just smiles, head high, and reflects like a seasoned playmaker:

“When you’re younger, you don’t really realize it,” he says. “But as you grow, you see that if you don’t pass the ball, you won’t progress.”

Long Road Ahead

“He trains every day,” confirms his father. “He’s followed the path exactly as a player should.”

Mattéo currently trains at the Centre Haute Performance du Québec at Complexe Bois-de-Boulogne. This is where the province’s top talents gather, alongside the Montreal Impact Academy. Since January, he’s been training with older players (U15) and learning to navigate high-level competition—like his match with Team Quebec against Nova Scotia last summer.

“In my club, players will try to dribble and then pass when they’re stuck. With Team Quebec, the whole focus is on making passes,” he explains.

Still laser-focused, Mattéo has his eyes set on summer goals:

“I want to win the league or the Coupe du Québec. If you win the AAA Elite League, you get to compete at Nationals.”

And Don’t Forget Your Grades, Mattéo

As the interview wraps up, it’s hard not to admire the dedication of a 14-year-old who chooses training, discipline, and dreams over downtime. But his parents, who also support his sister Frédérique in her athletic journey, gently emphasize balance.

“We’ve never forced him,” says his dad. “But school is important. Dreaming is fine, but you need a backup plan.”

Mattéo sees himself as a future engineer, architect—or maybe a firefighter. But most of all, he pictures himself running across the pitch at Stade Saputo.

“They often call him the architect of the game,” says his mom Mélanie. “He reads the field, calms the play,” adds his dad.

Mattéo, ever humble: “It’s not my job to dribble like crazy.”

Beyond talent and training, one quality defines Mattéo Teixeira: zeal. And that fire will carry him far, both on and off the field.