Matheus Cunha has become one of the most talked-about Brazilian forwards in recent years. After showing flashes of brilliance at clubs across Europe, he has finally started to gain recognition as a key player for Brazil
His strong performances for Wolverhampton Wanderers and later Manchester United helped him build confidence and improve his reputation on the international stage.
At the same time, Brazil has been searching for a reliable central striker capable of leading the attack.
The question many fans and football experts are asking is simple: has Matheus Cunha finally become Brazil’s starting striker?
Recent performances suggest the answer may be yes. His movement, creativity, work rate and goals have made him an important part of Brazil’s attacking plans.
Under coach Carlo Ancelotti, Cunha has been trusted in crucial matches and has responded with impressive displays.
His performances during major international tournaments have strengthened his case to become Brazil’s first-choice striker.
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Table of Contents
Who Is Matheus Cunha?
Matheus Santos Carneiro da Cunha is a Brazilian professional footballer who was born on May 27, 1999, in João Pessoa, Brazil.1
He plays primarily as a forward but can also operate as an attacking midfielder or winger. His versatility has been one of his greatest strengths throughout his career.
Cunha began his football journey in Brazil before moving to Europe at a young age. He played for Swiss club Sion and later joined RB Leipzig in Germany.
After gaining experience in the Bundesliga, he moved to Hertha Berlin where he enjoyed one of the most productive periods of his early career.
His performances earned him a transfer to Atlético Madrid. Although he struggled to secure a regular starting position in Spain, he revived his career after moving to Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Strong displays in the Premier League helped him become one of the league’s most effective attacking players. He later earned a move to Manchester United where he continued his rise.
At international level, Cunha enjoyed success with Brazil’s youth teams. He won an Olympic gold medal with Brazil in Tokyo and impressed with his goal-scoring ability.
After years of waiting for a major breakthrough with the senior national team, he is now becoming an increasingly important figure for Brazil.
🚨🇧🇷 Matheus Cunha reveals his reaction showing 5 World Cups to Japan player Kento: “I have nothing against Japan, they are great but he said some things about Brazil that we can’t accept”.
“It’s about respect for us and our shirt”. 👋🏼 pic.twitter.com/lwAA4QtF7x
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 30, 2026
Early Career and Development
Cunha’s rise was not always straightforward. Like many young Brazilian players, he faced challenges while adapting to European football.
His time at Sion allowed him to gain valuable experience and showcase his technical ability.
At RB Leipzig, competition for places limited his opportunities. However, the move helped him develop physically and tactically.
He then joined Hertha Berlin where he became a more complete attacker. His dribbling, creativity and finishing started attracting attention from bigger clubs.
A move to Atlético Madrid followed. Although he worked under one of football’s most respected managers, Diego Simeone, regular playing time was difficult to find.
Instead of allowing his career to stall, Cunha took advantage of his move to Wolves and transformed himself into a leading Premier League forward.
Stats Table
| Category | Statistics* |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Matheus Santos Carneiro da Cunha |
| Date of Birth | 27 May 1999 |
| Birthplace | João Pessoa, Brazil |
| Height | 1.83 m |
| Position | Forward / Attacking Midfielder / Winger |
| Senior Brazil Appearances | 21 |
| Brazil Goals | 1 |
| Career Club Appearances | 250+ |
| Career Club Goals | 80+ |
| Current Club | Manchester United |
Career Journey of Matheus Cunha
Youth Career at Coritiba
Cunha began his football development at Brazilian club Coritiba. Although he did not make a senior appearance for the club, his performances in youth football attracted attention from European scouts.2
Move to FC Sion (2017–2018)
In July 2017, at just 18 years old, Cunha moved to Swiss club FC Sion. This was his first experience in European football.
He quickly adapted to the new environment and impressed with his technical ability and goal-scoring skills. During his only season at Sion, he scored 10 goals in 29 league appearances and became one of the most promising young Brazilian players in Europe.
RB Leipzig (2018–2020)
His performances in Switzerland earned him a transfer to German Bundesliga side RB Leipzig in 2018.
While competition for places limited his opportunities, Cunha showed flashes of brilliance. One of his most memorable moments came in 2019 when he scored a spectacular solo goal against Bayer Leverkusen.
The strike earned a FIFA Puskás Award nomination and highlighted his exceptional talent. He also gained valuable experience in European competitions.
Hertha Berlin (2020–2021)
Seeking more regular playing time, Cunha joined Hertha Berlin in January 2020.
This move proved crucial for his development. He became one of the team’s most important attacking players and showed greater consistency in front of goal.
During his time at Hertha, he scored 12 Bundesliga goals and established himself as one of Germany’s most promising forwards.
Atlético Madrid (2021–2023)
In August 2021, Atlético Madrid signed Cunha on a five-year contract.
Playing under Diego Simeone helped him improve tactically, but competition for starting places made it difficult to secure a regular role.
Despite showing versatility and work rate, he struggled to become a consistent starter and scored 6 league goals during his time in Spain.
Wolverhampton Wanderers (2023–2025)
Cunha joined Wolverhampton Wanderers on loan in January 2023 before making the move permanent later that year.
This was the turning point of his career. At Wolves, he became the focal point of the attack and delivered his best football. He combined goals, assists, creativity and leadership.
Across his Wolves career, he scored 33 goals in 92 appearances and became one of the Premier League’s standout forwards.
His excellent performances significantly boosted his reputation both in England and in Brazil.
Manchester United (2025–Present)
In June 2025, Manchester United activated Cunha’s £62.5 million release clause and signed him on a long-term contract.
The move represented the biggest step of his club career. United viewed him as a player capable of adding goals, creativity and energy to their attack.
After arriving at Old Trafford, he continued building on the form he had shown at Wolves and became an important part of the squad.
International Career with Brazil
Cunha first gained international recognition with Brazil’s youth teams.
He played a key role in Brazil’s gold medal-winning campaign at the Tokyo Olympics and finished as one of the team’s standout performers.
He later broke into the senior national team and gradually became an important attacking option. Strong performances for his clubs helped him earn more opportunities with Brazil, where he has increasingly been trusted in major competitions.
Cunha’s Impact on Brazil’s Attack
Brazil has produced many world-class forwards over the years. However, finding a consistent central striker has sometimes been a challenge in recent seasons.
Cunha offers something different. He is not simply a traditional target man. Instead, he drops deeper, links play, creates space for teammates and contributes defensively.
According to reports from the 2026 World Cup campaign, Cunha’s inclusion brought better balance to Brazil’s attack.
His movement helped create stronger connections between midfield and the forward line. This allowed players such as Vinicius Junior and Lucas Paqueta to perform more effectively.
Brazil looked more fluid and dangerous with Cunha leading the attack. His ability to combine with teammates and create attacking patterns added an extra dimension to the team.
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Why Has Cunha’s Reputation Improved?
Several factors have contributed to Cunha’s growing reputation.
First, his club performances have become more consistent. During his time at Wolves, he scored important goals and regularly influenced matches. His ability to create chances and score from different positions made him a dangerous attacker.
Second, he matured as a player. Earlier in his career, he was often viewed as a talented but unpredictable forward.
Over time, he improved his decision-making and became more reliable in front of goal.
Third, his versatility gives coaches more tactical options. Cunha can play as a central striker, second striker, attacking midfielder or wide forward. This flexibility makes him valuable in modern football.
Finally, his performances for Brazil have improved significantly. When given opportunities in major matches, he has shown confidence and composure.
His recent goals and overall displays have convinced many observers that he deserves a regular starting role.
Matheus Cunha’s Strong Tournament Performances
One of the biggest reasons for Cunha’s growing status is his performance in major tournaments.3
In Brazil’s victory over Haiti, he scored twice and delivered an outstanding display. The performance helped Brazil secure a comfortable win and demonstrated his ability to perform under pressure.
He continued his good form by scoring again against Scotland. These goals boosted his confidence and strengthened his position within the squad.
Reports from international media noted that Cunha became one of Brazil’s standout performers during the tournament.
His goals, movement and overall contribution made him one of the team’s most important players.
Is He Now Brazil’s First-Choice Striker?
Based on recent evidence, Cunha appears closer than ever to becoming Brazil’s first-choice striker.
Several factors support this argument:
- He has delivered strong performances when given opportunities.
- He fits modern tactical systems.
- He links play effectively.
- He contributes goals.
- Coaches trust him in important matches.
Carlo Ancelotti’s decision to start Cunha in major games suggests he sees the forward as a key part of Brazil’s future plans. His performances have justified that faith.
While competition remains strong, Cunha currently appears to have an advantage over several rivals due to his form and versatility.
Strengths That Make Him Ideal for Brazil
Intelligent Movement
Cunha constantly looks for space between defenders. His movement helps open passing lanes for teammates and creates opportunities inside the penalty area.
Technical Ability
Unlike traditional strikers who focus mainly on finishing, Cunha contributes throughout the attacking phase. He is comfortable dribbling, passing and creating chances.
Versatility
Few Brazilian forwards can play as many attacking roles as Cunha. This makes him useful against different opponents and tactical systems.
Work Rate
Modern football demands defensive effort from attackers. Cunha works hard without the ball and helps press opponents.
Confidence
Recent success at club and international level has increased his confidence. Players often perform better when they believe they belong at the highest level.
Areas Where He Can Still Improve
Although Cunha has made significant progress, there is still room for improvement.
His goal numbers for Brazil remain relatively modest compared to some legendary Brazilian strikers.
Consistently scoring against top international opponents will help strengthen his position further.
He must also maintain his form over a longer period. International football is highly competitive and a few strong tournaments do not guarantee a permanent starting role.
Consistency will be the key factor in determining whether he remains Brazil’s preferred striker for years to come.
What Coaches See in Cunha
Coaches appreciate players who can execute tactical instructions while still expressing creativity.
Cunha combines both qualities. He can press defenders, drop into midfield, create chances and score goals. This balance makes him attractive to managers who want flexibility in attack.
Reports have highlighted how his presence improved Brazil’s structure and attacking balance.
Such qualities often matter as much as goal scoring when coaches select starting lineups. His maturity and growing leadership qualities have also increased his value within the squad.
The Future of Matheus Cunha with Brazil
The future looks promising for Cunha.
He is entering what many consider the peak years of a footballer’s career.
His experience in Germany, Spain and England has helped him become a more complete player.
If he continues performing at a high level for Manchester United and Brazil, he could establish himself as the country’s main striker for the next several years.
Brazil’s attack contains talented players such as Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo and others. Having a striker capable of linking these players together could be crucial for future success.
Cunha appears well positioned to fill that role.
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FAQ’s
Has Matheus Cunha become Brazil’s starting striker?
Recent performances suggest he is very close to securing that position. His goals, movement and overall contribution have made him a trusted option for Brazil’s coaching staff.
Which club does Matheus Cunha play for?
Matheus Cunha currently plays for Manchester United.
What position does Matheus Cunha play?
He mainly plays as a forward but can also operate as an attacking midfielder, second striker or winger.
Why is Matheus Cunha important for Brazil?
He brings balance to the attack, creates chances, links midfield with the forward line and contributes goals. His versatility makes him valuable in different tactical systems.
How old is Matheus Cunha?
Matheus Cunha was born on May 27, 1999.
Conclusion
Matheus Cunha’s rise to prominence has been built on persistence, development and strong performances.
After facing challenges at different stages of his club career, he has emerged as a more complete and confident forward.
His success in the Premier League and impressive displays for Brazil have transformed the perception of him as a player.
While competition for places in Brazil’s attack remains intense, Cunha has given coaches plenty of reasons to trust him.
His movement, creativity, tactical intelligence and ability to score important goals have made him a serious contender to lead Brazil’s frontline.
So, has Matheus Cunha finally become Brazil’s starting striker? The evidence suggests that he is closer than ever.
If he maintains his current level of performance, he could remain Brazil’s preferred No. 9 for years to come.
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