From the streets of João Pessoa to the Premier League stage, Matheus Cunha has taken a winding yet fascinating path. His career has featured sharp turns, bold choices, and memorable goals. Despite moving across leagues and countries, one thing has remained consistent—his passion for the beautiful game.
Let’s explore how Cunha’s unique journey unfolded and why he remains such an exciting attacking talent in 2025.
Humble Beginnings in Brazil
Matheus Cunha was born in May 1999, in João Pessoa, a city in northeastern Brazil. Although Brazil has always produced flair players, Cunha's rise wasn’t built through a famous academy. In fact, his youth development came through a less traditional route.
At a young age, he moved to Europe. Not to a superclub, but to Switzerland’s FC Sion. While some might have viewed this as an unusual start, Cunha saw it as an opportunity. He embraced the challenge—and it paid off.
Making Waves in Switzerland
In the 2017–18 season with FC Sion, Cunha quickly turned heads. He scored 10 goals in 29 league games, showing great flair and confidence. He played with style, often dropping deep and taking defenders on.
Cunha wasn’t just fast. He was also technical, intelligent, and bold. Even at 18, he played with personality.
Naturally, bigger clubs noticed. Before long, Germany came calling.
Bundesliga Breakthrough with RB Leipzig
In 2018, RB Leipzig signed Cunha. Here, he entered a more tactical environment. Although he didn’t always start, he scored some important goals. One goal in particular—a stunning solo effort against Bayer Leverkusen—won Bundesliga’s Goal of the Month.
While Leipzig had plenty of attacking options, Cunha found ways to stand out. He learned to play across the front line. He gained experience in European competitions. Most importantly, he adapted.
Yet, with limited starts, he needed a new challenge to showcase his full potential.
A Star Emerges at Hertha Berlin
In early 2020, Cunha transferred to Hertha BSC. This move gave him regular playing time and more responsibility. Immediately, he repaid the club’s trust. He scored goals, created chances, and lifted the energy of the squad.
Cunha’s playing style flourished in Berlin. He dribbled past defenders with ease. He combined with teammates in tight areas. And he played with heart—even when the team struggled.
By the end of the 2020–21 season, he had become Hertha’s standout performer. Once again, he earned interest from bigger clubs. A new adventure was just around the corner.
Atlético Madrid: A Test of Maturity
In 2021, Cunha made the jump to Spain, joining Atlético Madrid. Here, he found a different kind of test. Diego Simeone’s system focused on discipline and compact defending. For Cunha, it was a learning curve.
Still, he delivered when called upon. He added goals off the bench. He showed hunger. And most of all, he stayed focused.
While he wasn’t always a starter, he grew in maturity and learned to play for the team. He improved defensively. He gained Champions League experience.
However, to thrive fully, he needed a system that matched his free-flowing instincts.
Premier League Move to Wolverhampton
In 2023, Cunha made the move to the Premier League, signing with Wolves. The English game suited him. It was fast, open, and intense—just like him.
Soon, he became a regular starter. He played as a second striker, winger, and even a false nine. No matter the position, he made things happen. He beat defenders, pressed high, and never stopped running.
He also built chemistry with teammates. His combination play with Pedro Neto and Hwang Hee-chan gave Wolves attacking sharpness.
By 2025, Cunha had become one of Wolves’ most valuable players.
The Brazilian Edge
Although Cunha hasn’t yet become a regular starter for the Brazil national team, he’s made important appearances. He won Olympic gold in Tokyo 2021, scoring key goals and providing leadership throughout the tournament.
He’s also earned call-ups to the senior squad, especially during international friendlies and qualifiers. Competing with Brazil’s talent pool isn’t easy. But Cunha never gives up.
Moreover, his style is unmistakably Brazilian. He plays with flair. He enjoys the ball at his feet. And he expresses himself with every touch.
Strengths That Set Him Apart
Matheus Cunha is not a traditional striker. He’s something more dynamic. He thrives between the lines. He makes smart runs, and he loves link-up play.
While he may not score 20 goals a season, he contributes in multiple ways.
Additionally, he brings energy. He leads the press. He never hides. Whether the team is winning or losing, he gives his all.
A Versatile Modern Attacker
In today’s football, versatility is crucial. Cunha checks that box with ease. He can play wide or central. He can drift left or press from the right.
As more coaches look for adaptable attackers, Cunha becomes even more valuable. He reads the game and moves intelligently.
This flexibility explains why he's succeeded in Switzerland, Germany, Spain, and now England.
Off the Pitch: Focused and Grateful
Away from the spotlight, Cunha remains grounded. He often shares positive messages on social media and he credits his family for keeping him focused.
He speaks openly about his journey and talks about faith, sacrifice, and growth. He’s not one to make headlines off the field—but that’s by design.
His humility helps him stay focused. So does his desire to improve.
What Comes Next?
As of 2025, Cunha is 26 years old. That means he’s entering his peak years. With Wolves, he’s a leader on and off the pitch. With Brazil, he continues pushing for a bigger role.
Will he stay in the Premier League? Could a Champions League club make a move? It’s possible. His talent and attitude make him an asset for any top side.
But whatever comes next, you can bet on one thing: Cunha will give everything.
Final Thoughts: A Journey Still Unfolding
Matheus Cunha didn’t take the easy route. He didn’t come from a major academy. He didn’t rise instantly. Instead, he took chances, worked hard, and grew steadily.
He’s played in four countries. He’s adapted to different roles. And he’s become a modern attacker with a tireless spirit.
So, when fans talk about underrated players who make teams better—Cunha’s name belongs in that conversation.
He might not always grab headlines, but he always makes an impact.
SC Toronto U21 Men – Ontario Soccer League 2023
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