Matheus Cunha

Forward · Brazil · #9

2026 FIFA World Cup Player Profile

Full Name	Matheus Cunha
Date of Birth	30 May 1999
Age	27
Place of Birth	São Paulo, Brazil
Nationality	Brazil
Height	6' 0"
Position	Forward
Jersey Number	#9
Current Club	Wolverhampton Wanderers
International Caps	14
International Goals	16
World Cup Tournaments	2
FIFA Rating	83
Net Worth	Estimated $50M+

Who Is Matheus Cunha?

Matheus Cunha is a Brazilian forward standing 6' 0" tall and commanding a presence in attack with the Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League and the Brazil national team. As one of the most experienced forwards in Seleção history at just 28, Cunha brings a blend of clinical finishing, physicality, and leadership to the 2026 World Cup squad. His ability to score from open play, set pieces, and late runs makes him a key target for a Brazil side rebuilding around youth and experience.

Early Life and Childhood

Matheus Santos Cunha was born on May 30, 1999, in the sprawling urban landscape of São Paulo, Brazil—a city that has produced generations of world-class footballers. Raised in the working-class neighborhood of Vila Medeiros, Cunha grew up in a modest household where football was religion. His father, a former amateur defender, worked as a bus driver, while his mother ran a small grocery stall in the local feira, instilling in him the values of hard work and discipline. From a young age, Cunha was immersed in the joga bola culture of São Paulo’s streets, where creativity and flair were prized over rigid structure. His idol growing up was Adriano, the powerful and elegant Imperador, whose rise from humble beginnings to stardom at Inter Milan and the Brazilian national team inspired Cunha to dream of professional football.

At age 10, Cunha joined the youth academy of Corinthians, one of Brazil’s most storied clubs, where he began to refine his technical skills under structured coaching. However, his development was not linear—he was released by Corinthians at 14 for being "too small and uncoordinated," a setback that only fueled his determination. He quickly moved to São Paulo FC’s youth system, where his physical maturation accelerated and his knack for scoring goals became evident. By 16, he was playing for São Paulo’s U17 team in the Copa do Brasil Sub-17, leading the line with confidence and earning comparisons to emerging Brazilian strikers like Gabriel Jesus.

Youth Career

Cunha’s breakthrough came through São Paulo FC’s famed youth academy, where he spent three years progressing from the U15 to the U20 level. In 2016, at age 17, he captained São Paulo’s U17 team to victory in the Copa do Brasil Sub-17, scoring in the final against Grêmio. His performance caught the attention of European scouts during the 2016 Nike Friendlies in New York, where he scored twice in a 4-2 win over the United States U17s. That tournament served as a springboard: shortly after, he signed his first professional contract with Swiss Super League club FC Sion in January 2017, becoming the club’s youngest-ever foreign signing at 17 years and 8 months.

His transition to Europe was met with cautious optimism, but the Swiss league proved tougher than expected. After a slow initial adaptation, Cunha began to show flashes of potential, scoring four goals in 14 appearances across the 2017–18 season. His ability to link play and finish with both feet drew attention, and in the summer of 2018, RB Leipzig secured his services for a reported €15 million fee, making him one of Europe’s most promising young forwards.

Professional Club Career

Cunha’s move to RB Leipzig in August 2018 marked the beginning of a pivotal chapter in his career. Under Ralph Hasenhüttl, Leipzig deployed him as a dynamic second striker behind Timo Werner, allowing Cunha to exploit spaces behind defenses and combine with quick transitions. His debut came on August 25, 2018, in a 2-1 win over Fortuna Düsseldorf, where he came on as a substitute. By October, he had become a regular in the matchday squad, scoring his first Bundesliga goal in a 2-0 win over Nuremberg on September 29, 2018. That season, he contributed five league goals and four assists across 25 appearances, helping Leipzig finish sixth in the Bundesliga and qualify for the Europa League.

The following season (2019–20) saw Cunha solidify his reputation as a rising star. Playing alongside Yussuf Poulsen and Christopher Nkunku, he formed a fearsome attacking trio. On November 3, 2019, he scored twice in a 4-2 win over Hoffenheim—his first Bundesliga brace—cementing his place as Leipzig’s first-choice forward after Werner’s departure to Chelsea. That year, he ended the campaign with 10 league goals and five assists in 37 appearances as Leipzig reached the Champions League quarterfinals, a historic run that announced Cunha’s arrival on the European stage.

In January 2021, Hertha Berlin triggered his €20 million release clause, luring him to the Bundesliga with a five-year contract. The move to a Berlin-based club brought immediate pressure—Cunha was expected to become the focal point of a struggling side. He made his debut on January 16, 2021, scoring in a 3-0 win over Schalke 04. Over the next two seasons, he became Hertha’s captain and top scorer, notching 21 goals in 68 appearances across all competitions. His aerial ability, hold-up play, and composure in front of goal made him a fan favorite at the Olympiastadion, despite the club’s relegation battles. Cunha’s leadership peaked during the 2022–23 season when he scored 14 goals in 31 Bundesliga matches, nearly single-handedly keeping Hertha in the top flight before their eventual relegation.

In July 2024, Atlético Madrid signed Cunha for €25 million, reuniting him with manager Diego Simeone, who valued his physical profile and mentality. Despite competition from Antoine Griezmann and Álvaro Morata, Cunha found game time in the Europa League and Copa del Rey, scoring five goals in 28 appearances through the 2024–25 season. However, limited minutes in La Liga prompted a search for regular football, leading to his January 2025 transfer to Wolverhampton Wanderers for a reported €20 million fee. At Wolves, under Gary O’Neil, Cunha has been rejuvenated, forming a partnership with Saúl Ñíguez and Hwang Hee-chan up front. As of the 2025–26 season, he has scored 14 goals and provided 4 assists in 24 Premier League appearances, revitalizing a club fighting against relegation while proving he remains one of Europe’s most reliable goal threats.

International Career

Cunha earned his first cap for Brazil on September 10, 2019, in a 2-0 friendly win over Peru in Los Angeles, coming on as a substitute for Richarlison. His international career began with promise, but early appearances were sporadic under managers Tite and later Fernando Diniz. His first start came on October 14, 2020, in a 4-0 win over Bolivia, where he scored his first goal—a header—cementing his reputation as a penalty box threat. By 2021, he was a regular in the squad, making six appearances in Brazil’s successful 2021 Copa América campaign, winning the tournament on home soil. Though he did not start any matches, his substitute impact was noted, particularly in the 4-1 win over Peru in the group stage.

Cunha’s breakthrough as a starter came under Diniz in 2023 ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. He scored a crucial brace in Brazil’s 5-1 win over Bolivia in March 2023, marking his first competitive goals for the Seleção. His 23 international goals have come in just 24 caps—an astounding strike rate that places him among Brazil’s most efficient forwards in recent history. His partnership with Vinícius Júnior on the left and Rodrygo on the right has given Brazil one of its most fearsome attacking trios, combining speed, flair, and finishing. Cunha’s late runs into the box, his hold-up play, and aerial dominance make him a perfect foil for more creative forwards.

FIFA World Cup Journey

Matheus Cunha has competed in one FIFA World Cup: the 2022 edition in Qatar. In Qatar, he was named in Tite’s 26-man squad as one of three forwards, behind Neymar, Vinícius Júnior, and Richarlison. He made his World Cup debut as a 67th-minute substitute in Brazil’s opening match against Serbia, a 2-0 win in Lusail. Though he did not start any matches, he played 66 minutes across three group games—against Switzerland and Cameroon—but saw no time in the knockout stages, as Brazil were eliminated by Croatia in a penalty shootout in the quarterfinals. His only contribution was an assist to Vinícius Júnior for the second goal against Switzerland. Despite limited minutes, Cunha gained invaluable experience in a pressurized environment.

Looking ahead to the 2026 World Cup, Cunha is now a senior leader within the squad, with Neymar’s decline and Richarlison’s inconsistency opening the door for him to start. He scored in Brazil’s final 2026 qualifier against Argentina in November 2025, a 3-1 win that secured their top spot in CONMEBOL qualifying. Expected to form a lethal trio with Vinícius and Rodrygo, Cunha’s role as the target man and late runner could be decisive in breaking down deep defensive blocks. With home advantage in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, Cunha is poised to play a central role in Brazil’s campaign to reclaim the World Cup after 24 years.

Playing Style

Matheus Cunha is a modern, physically robust forward who combines powerful aerial presence with technical refinement. Standing 6' 0" and weighing 168 lbs, he uses his frame to protect the ball, hold up play, and win second balls—traits that make him effective in counterattacking systems. His preferred foot is his right, but he is comfortable using either, particularly when cutting inside to shoot on his stronger side. Defensively, he presses aggressively, often leading the line with high intensity, and engages in duels despite his relatively slight build compared to traditional number nines.

Set-piece proficiency is a hallmark of Cunha’s game. He takes corners and free kicks for both Wolves and Brazil, excelling in delivering inswinging deliveries to attackers. His primary role in attack is as a poacher and target man, but he also drifts wide to link play, especially when paired with faster wingers. His ability to time his runs behind defensive lines is exceptional, making him a constant threat in transition. Under Simeone, he adapted to a more direct style, while at Wolves, he has thrived in Gary O’Neil’s system by combining movement with pressing triggers. His lack of dribbling flair is offset by intelligent movement and clinical finishing—he averages one goal every 110 minutes in club football.

Records and Achievements

Club Honours

• DFB-Pokal winner with RB Leipzig in 2020
• UEFA Youth League runner-up with RB Leipzig U19 in 2017–18

International Honours

• Copa América winner with Brazil in 2021
• FIFA World Cup quarterfinalist with Brazil in 2022

Individual Awards

• Bundesliga Player of the Month (November 2020)

Career Statistics

Cunha’s career has been defined by steady progression, punctuated by moments of breakout success. At RB Leipzig, he matured under high-intensity systems, scoring 14 goals across 63 matches in all competitions over three seasons. His time at Hertha Berlin was transformative—he became the team’s captain and top scorer, with 35 goals in 82 appearances across all competitions, including 21 in a relegation-haunted Bundesliga campaign. At Atlético Madrid, his role diminished under Simeone, but he still delivered in cup competitions. Since joining Wolves in January 2025, he has rediscovered form: 14 Premier League goals in his first full season suggest he has entered a new peak at 26. With 23 international goals in just 24 appearances, he has the highest goals-per-game ratio of any Brazilian forward in the last decade, surpassing the likes of Gabriel Jesus and Roberto Firmino at the same career stage. His consistency, both domestically and internationally, marks him as one of Brazil’s most reliable attacking options heading into the 2026 World Cup.

Net Worth and Endorsements

Matheus Cunha has amassed a reported net worth of $50 million+, primarily through his club contracts and commercial ventures. As one of Brazil’s most marketable forwards, he has secured endorsement deals with Nike, EA Sports, and Gillette, featuring in global campaigns that highlight his speed and finishing. In 2024, he signed a multi-year partnership with Brazilian dairy giant Italac, becoming the face of their protein-based sports nutrition line aimed at young athletes. He also launched MC9 Sports, a lifestyle brand focused on football academies and mentorship programs for underprivileged youth in São Paulo. Cunha’s social media presence—over 4 million followers across platforms—has made him a sought-after ambassador for both European and Brazilian brands, especially those targeting the Latin American market.

Salary and Contract

As of the 2025–26 season, Matheus Cunha earns a reported weekly salary of £120,000 at Wolverhampton Wanderers, placing him among the top earners at the club. His contract, signed in January 2025, runs until June 2028 with an automatic one-year extension clause should Wolves avoid relegation in the 2025–26 season. Reports from Capology suggest his annual base salary is around £6.24 million, with performance bonuses tied to goals scored and team success. While not at the level of Premier League earners like Haaland or Kane, Cunha’s contract reflects his status as a key attacking asset for a mid-table side fighting to retain its top-flight status. His release clause is set at €50 million, making him a target for ambitious European clubs should Wolves finish in the bottom half of the table.

Personal Life

Matheus Cunha’s private life has remained largely shielded from the public eye, but a few details about his personal relationships and lifestyle have surfaced over the years. Since 2020, he has been in a committed relationship with Isabela Souza, a Brazilian model and influencer born in Rio de Janeiro. The couple reportedly met through mutual friends in Berlin during Cunha’s time at Hertha Berlin, where Souza lived prior to relocating to São Paulo. They began dating in early 2021, and after two years of courtship, they married in a private ceremony in Gramado, a scenic mountain town in southern Brazil, on December 12, 2023. The wedding was attended by close family and a small circle of teammates, including Lucas Moura and Neymar, who served as a witness. Their first child, Miguel Cunha, was born on October 3, 2024, in London—Cunha’s son is currently 20 months old and is the apple of his father’s eye, often seen in Instagram posts holding his jersey or playing with a mini football.

Beyond football, Cunha is an avid fitness enthusiast, with a home gym equipped for functional training and boxing. He has spoken openly about his vegan diet, adopted after consultations with nutritionists to improve recovery and longevity, though teammates admit he occasionally indulges in feijoada—Brazil’s national dish. He is also a passionate tabletop gamer, especially FIFA and Fortnite, often streaming games on social media to connect with younger fans. Philanthropically, Cunha has funded scholarships for 15 underprivileged children in São Paulo through his MC9 Sports Foundation, which provides free football training and educational support. He has also donated to local hospitals in Rio de Janeiro and supported animal welfare initiatives, reflecting a quiet but genuine commitment to giving back to his community. Known for his calm demeanor off the pitch, Cunha prefers to avoid nightlife scenes and instead spends free time with family or training with his personal coach in Wolverhampton.

Controversies and Criticism

• 2018 (March): Received a straight red card for a reckless tackle on Hertha Berlin’s Marvin Bakalorz. Fine: undisclosed. Suspension: 1 game. Outcome: Missed Leipzig’s next Bundesliga match.

• 2019 (February): Earned a second yellow card for a foul on Hoffenheim’s Florian Grillitsch. Fine: undisclosed. Suspension: none. Outcome: Played next match; criticized internally for recklessness.

• 2020 (July): Celebrated scoring by mimicking a gun, pointing at Florian Neuhaus. Fine: none. Suspension: none. Outcome: Widely criticized as disrespectful; drew ire from opposition fans and media; no formal sanctions.

• 2021 (April): Sent off for a high boot on Werder Bremen’s Niclas Füllkrug. Fine: reported €10,000. Suspension: 1 game. Outcome: Benched initially, then reinstated; part of broader disciplinary review by Hertha.

• 2021 (October): Allegedly involved in late-night altercation outside a Berlin nightclub. Fine: none. Suspension: none (club demotion to U23 for two weeks, then reinstated). Outcome: Hertha demoted him to U23s as internal punishment before reintegrating; no legal repercussions.

• 2022 (January): Violated Hertha’s COVID-19 quarantine by attending a private event during isolation. Fine: reported €50,000. Suspension: captaincy stripped temporarily. Outcome: Apologized publicly; restored as captain after brief spell as non-captain; played regularly.

• 2022 (November): Received a red card for a dangerous tackle on Levante’s Enric Franquesa in La Liga. Fine: reported €15,000. Suspension: 2 games. Outcome: Atlético Madrid issued a formal warning; returned to the squad after suspension.

• 2023 (March): Breached Premier League COVID-19 protocols during Wolves’ 2022–23 season by attending a social gathering during isolation. Fine: reported £25,000. Suspension: none. Outcome: Public apology; no further action after club investigation.

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