Matheus Cunha, the Brazilian national team’s striker, has an intriguing journey leading to his current role at Manchester United. As Brazil prepares for its World Cup 2026 opener against Morocco, fans are eager to see Cunha in action on Saturday, November 13, at the MetLife Stadium.
From João Pessoa to Professional Football
Born in João Pessoa, Paraíba, Matheus moved to Southern Brazil as a teenager, pursuing his dream of becoming a professional footballer. At 14, he departed home to join the youth ranks of Coritiba. This transition marked a significant turning point in his life, leaving behind a coastal city and family ties for the challenges of urban life in Curitiba.
Early Struggles at Coritiba
- Cunha was well-regarded for his professionalism during his youth career.
- Despite standout performances, he never debuted for Coritiba’s senior team.
In 2017, the then-president of Coritiba, Rogério Bacellar, made a controversial decision. He sold Cunha to Swiss club Sion for R$ 700,000. While the transfer provided immediate financial relief for Coritiba, it also sparked frustration among fans, as the player was seen as a future star.
Success in Europe
Initially, Cunha viewed the move to Europe as a vital step in his career. He previously joined Coritiba for about R$ 150,000, receiving minimal compensation at the youth level. After moving to Sion, he quickly moved up the ranks, playing for various European teams, including:
- RB Leipzig (Germany)
- Hertha Berlin (Germany)
- Atlético Madrid (Spain)
- Wolverhampton (England)
- Manchester United (England)
His latest transfer to Manchester United was valued at around £62.5 million, equivalent to about R$ 480 million.
Financial Impact on Coritiba
Although Matheus never played a competitive match for Coritiba, the club has benefited financially from his subsequent transfers. The various deals have generated approximately R$ 18 million for Coritiba through FIFA’s solidarity mechanism and other fees. Key transfers included:
- Sale to RB Leipzig: €15 million (Approx. R$ 66 million)
- Transfer to Atlético Madrid: €30 million (Approx. R$ 189 million)
- Move to Wolverhampton: €50 million (Approx. R$ 220 million)
- Latest transfer to Manchester United: €72 million (Approx. R$ 480 million)
These transactions underscore how Matheus Cunha’s talent continues to impact Coritiba’s finances long after his departure from the club.
Looking Ahead
As Brazil sets its sights on the World Cup 2026, eyebrows are raised on how Cunha will perform as their leading striker. With his remarkable journey from a young dreamer in Paraíba to a notable player in the elite leagues of Europe, Matheus Cunha has become a symbol of perseverance and talent.
