Overview
Matheus Santos Carneiro da Cunha, widely known as Matheus Cunha, is a Brazilian professional footballer who has established himself as a dynamic forward in European football. Born on 27 May 1999, in João Pessoa, Brazil, Cunha stands at 1.84 meters tall and primarily plays as a central striker or a second striker, though his versatility allows him to operate effectively across the front line, including as a winger. His career has seen him feature for clubs in Switzerland, Germany, and England, demonstrating adaptability to different tactical systems and competitive environments. Cunha's playing style is characterized by a combination of technical prowess, robust physical presence, and a relentless work rate, often dropping deep to link play or pressing defenders high up the pitch.
Cunha's early career began in Brazil before he moved to Europe, where he quickly gained recognition for his potential. His ability to create chances, dribble past opponents, and finish from various positions has made him a valuable asset to his teams. Representing Brazil at different youth levels, he was a key figure in the squad that won the gold medal at the 2020 Summer Olympics, postponed to 2021, in Tokyo [Wikipedia]. He has since earned caps for the senior Brazil national team, showcasing his standing among the country's top attacking talents. His journey reflects a player who consistently seeks to improve and impact games, making him a compelling figure for football enthusiasts and analysts alike.
Career path
Matheus Cunha's football journey began in Brazil, where he developed his skills in the youth ranks of Coritiba before making the move to Europe. His first professional club outside of Brazil was FC Sion in Switzerland, which he joined in 2017 [Transfermarkt]. He quickly adapted to European football, making his senior debut and impressing with his performances in the Swiss Super League. His attacking output and potential did not go unnoticed, leading to a move to Germany.
In the summer of 2018, Cunha transferred to RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga [Transfermarkt]. During his time at Leipzig, he gained valuable experience in one of Europe's top leagues and also featured in the UEFA Europa League. Although he showed flashes of brilliance, consistent starts were sometimes hard to come by in a competitive squad. This led to another move within the Bundesliga, as he joined Hertha BSC in January 2020 [Transfermarkt]. At Hertha, Cunha became a more central figure, demonstrating his capabilities as a primary attacking threat and often being the focal point of their offensive play. His performances in the German capital further solidified his reputation as a technically gifted and hard-working forward.
After a successful spell with Hertha BSC, Cunha's talent attracted interest from across Europe. In August 2021, he made a significant move to Atlético Madrid in Spain's La Liga [Transfermarkt]. At Atlético, under coach Diego Simeone, he adapted to a more structured and defensively astute system, contributing with goals and assists while also embracing the defensive responsibilities required of forwards in Simeone's setup. This period further honed his all-around game. In January 2023, Cunha moved to the Premier League, joining Wolverhampton Wanderers on an initial loan deal that was made permanent later that year [Transfermarkt]. His move to England marked another chapter in his evolving career, where he has continued to showcase his attacking flair and contribute to the team's efforts in one of the world's most demanding leagues.
Playing style
Matheus Cunha's playing style is characterized by a blend of technical skill, physical strength, and intelligent movement, making him a multifaceted forward. As a central striker, he possesses the ability to hold up the ball effectively, bringing teammates into play and creating space in the final third. His dribbling ability is a notable attribute, allowing him to evade defenders in tight spaces and drive at goal. According to data from platforms like FBref, Cunha often ranks highly among forwards for progressive carries and successful take-ons, highlighting his capacity to advance the ball and break defensive lines.
Beyond his individual brilliance, Cunha exhibits a strong work ethic, contributing significantly to his team's defensive efforts. He is known for his relentless pressing from the front, often initiating defensive actions and forcing turnovers high up the pitch. This aspect of his game makes him a valuable asset in modern football, where forwards are increasingly expected to contribute defensively. His off-the-ball movement is intelligent, allowing him to find pockets of space between defensive lines or make well-timed runs in behind. His shooting technique is robust, capable of scoring with either foot, though he is predominantly right-footed, and from various ranges.
Comparatively, Cunha shares some stylistic traits with forwards who combine physicality with technical finesse. He can be likened to players such as Richarlison or Roberto Firmino in their prime, who are not only goal scorers but also crucial in linking play, pressing, and creating opportunities for others. His versatility also allows him to drift wide, providing crosses or cutting inside to shoot, further expanding his threat profile. His aerial presence is also a factor, particularly in contested headers and set-piece situations, adding another dimension to his attacking game. This combination of attributes makes Matheus Cunha a dynamic and impactful presence in any attacking lineup.
Achievements & honours
Matheus Cunha has accumulated several significant achievements and honours throughout his career, both at club and international level, highlighting his impact on the teams he has represented. While individual accolades are a testament to his personal skill, his most notable successes have come in team competitions, particularly with the Brazilian national team.
One of the most prominent achievements in Cunha's career is the gold medal he won with the Brazil Olympic team at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, which took place in 2021 [FIFA]. Cunha played a crucial role in Brazil's successful campaign, contributing goals and assists as a key forward in the squad. This triumph marked a significant milestone in his international career and brought national recognition.
At club level, while he has not yet lifted major league titles, his contributions to clubs in Switzerland, Germany, and Spain have been vital to their respective campaigns. For instance, during his time with RB Leipzig, he was part of a squad that consistently competed at the top end of the Bundesliga and participated in European competitions like the UEFA Europa League [UEFA Europa League]. His performances at Hertha BSC often saw him as the standout player, frequently scoring crucial goals to help the club. With Atlético Madrid, he was part of a squad that challenged for top honors in La Liga and the UEFA Champions League [UEFA Champions League], gaining invaluable experience at the highest level of European club football.
The following table summarizes his key team honours:
| Competition | Club / National Team | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Summer Olympics (Men's Football) | Brazil U23 | 2020 (held 2021) |
International career
Matheus Cunha has had a progressive international career, representing Brazil at various youth levels before earning his call-up to the senior national team. His journey began with the Brazil U20 squad, where his attacking talents were first showcased on the international stage. He then became a prominent figure for the Brazil U23 team, which ultimately led to his participation in the 2020 Summer Olympics.
At the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo (held in 2021 due to the pandemic), Cunha was a vital component of the Brazil squad that secured the gold medal in men's football [FIFA]. He was a consistent starter and a key attacking threat throughout the tournament, scoring important goals that propelled Brazil to victory. This Olympic triumph was a significant moment in his career, establishing him as one of Brazil's brightest young talents.
Following his impressive performances at the Olympics and his club form, Matheus Cunha received his first call-up to the senior Brazil national team. He made his senior international debut in September 2021 [FIFA], marking a natural progression from his youth team successes. As of May 2026, he has accumulated 8 caps for the senior national team, primarily featuring as a versatile attacking option off the bench or making occasional starts. While he is yet to score his first senior international goal, his role often involves providing energy, pressing, and a different attacking dimension in the latter stages of matches. He continues to be a part of the national team setup, vying for a more prominent role in future major tournaments and qualifying campaigns.