The first thing to know is that it is pronounced as ‘mah-teh’ and is a traditional caffein-rich beverage, made with dried and chopped yerba mate leaves.
It is bitter in flavour, can be served hot or cold, and is especially popular in Latin countries such as Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay – which is why you might have spotted Sergio Romero, Marcos Rojo, Fred, Alex Telles, Edinson Cavani and Facundo Pellistri all drinking it on their social media feeds.
As there are reported health benefits – scroll down for more on that – the drink has become popular with European players, including our own Paul Pogba.