Uganda Cranes striker Rogers Mato is set for a new chapter in his career after sealing a move to Scottish Premiership side Heart of Midlothian, where he will arrive in July on a three-year contract.
The 22-year-old will make the switch to Edinburgh at the end of his current deal with North Macedonian outfit Vardar, capping a rapid rise that has turned him into one of the most sought-after young forwards in European football. Hearts confirmed that an agreement has been reached for Mato to join the club ahead of the 2026/27 season.
Mato’s journey has been anything but conventional. He emerged from Proline FC in Kampala, sharpening his instincts in the Uganda Premier League before venturing abroad. His European adventure began in Turkey with Sanliurfaspor, followed by a move to North Macedonia, where spells at AP Brera and later Vardar accelerated his development.
At Vardar, Mato’s impact was immediate and decisive. He played a key role in delivering Macedonian Cup glory and steering the club into UEFA Conference League qualifiers. His current campaign has been even more devastating—12 goals in 13 matches have fired Vardar to the summit of the league and firmly placed him on the continental radar.
On the international stage, Mato has grown into a trusted figure for the Uganda Cranes. Since earning his debut in 2022, he has accumulated 41 caps and eight goals, including a notable strike at the recent Africa Cup of Nations, further underlining his pedigree.
This summer, Mato will trade the Balkans for Tynecastle Park, becoming part of Derek McInnes’ maroon ranks, as Hearts invest in a forward whose trajectory continues to point sharply upward.
That’s fantastic news for Rogers Mato and a brilliant move for Hearts! Wishing him all the best in Scotland.