Matheus Cunha: A Rising Star in World Football

Matheus Cunha, the Brazilian forward, has quickly established himself as one of the most exciting young talents in European football. Known for his versatility, speed, and technical ability, Cunha’s performances have caught the attention of both club and national team selectors. This article delves into the career of Matheus Cunha, analyzing his playing style, key stats, and impact on the pitch.

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Matheus Santos Carneiro da Cunha, widely known as Matheus Cunha, was born on May 27, 1999, in João Pessoa, Brazil. He began his football journey at a young age, joining the youth ranks of the Brazilian club, Internacional. His impressive performances at the youth level soon earned him a move to Germany, where he signed with RB Leipzig in 2018.

Cunha’s time in Germany was vital for his development. After a promising start at Leipzig, he moved on loan to Hertha BSC in 2020, where he continued to showcase his talent. His performances in the Bundesliga caught the attention of top clubs, and in 2021, he made a high-profile transfer to Atlético Madrid in La Liga. His move to Atlético marked a significant step in his career, providing him the platform to compete at the highest level of club football.

Playing Style and Strengths

Matheus Cunha is a forward who brings a wide array of skills to the pitch. One of his standout qualities is his versatility. Cunha is comfortable playing in various attacking positions, whether as a center-forward, winger, or attacking midfielder. His ability to operate across the front line allows his coaches to deploy him in multiple tactical setups, making him a valuable asset to any team.

His pace is another key asset. Cunha is known for his explosive speed, allowing him to break away from defenders and make dangerous runs behind the opposition’s defense. This pace, combined with his dribbling ability, makes him a constant threat in one-on-one situations. He is often able to glide past defenders with ease, creating space for himself and his teammates.

Technically, Cunha is a highly skilled player. He has a great first touch, a powerful shot, and the ability to pick out precise passes. His shooting ability is particularly impressive, as he can finish with both feet, making him unpredictable in front of goal. Additionally, Cunha’s vision and passing range allow him to create goal-scoring opportunities for his teammates, making him a well-rounded attacking player.

Matheus Cunha’s Career Stats

Matheus Cunha’s career stats demonstrate his development and contributions to the teams he has played for. Here’s a breakdown of his key statistics as of early 2025:

Appearances: Over 150 appearances in top-flight football.

Goals: 30+ goals in domestic leagues and European competitions.

Assists: 15+ assists in various competitions.

Minutes Played: Over 10,000 minutes of first-team football.

Position: Primarily an attacking forward, with versatility to play as a winger or in a more central role.

Competitions: Bundesliga, La Liga, UEFA Champions League, Copa del Rey, and international tournaments.

Matheus Cunha’s stats highlight his consistent involvement in top-tier competitions, contributing both as a goal-scorer and a playmaker. His adaptability and consistent performances have made him a key figure in Atlético Madrid’s attack, while also earning him recognition at the international level with Brazil.

Impact at Atlético Madrid

Cunha’s transfer to Atlético Madrid in 2021 was a major step in his career. Under the guidance of manager Diego Simeone, Cunha has developed into a vital player for the team. His ability to link up play, make direct runs, and contribute to both goals and assists has made him an integral part of Atlético’s attacking strategy.

While competing in one of the most competitive leagues in Europe, Cunha’s performances have been notable for their consistency. His ability to score in important matches, whether in La Liga or the UEFA Champions League, has helped Atlético remain competitive in both domestic and European competitions.

In his time at Atlético, Cunha has been able to develop a strong understanding of the tactical side of the game, learning to combine his natural attacking instincts with the disciplined, counter-attacking style favored by Simeone. His adaptability and work rate make him a valuable asset, and his growing influence on the pitch has made him a player to watch for the future.

International Career with Brazil

Matheus Cunha has also been a regular feature for the Brazilian national team. Having made his debut in 2020, Cunha has since represented Brazil in numerous international competitions, including World Cup qualifiers and Copa América matches. His performances for Brazil have been marked by his versatility in attack, as well as his ability to play alongside some of the world’s best players.

Despite fierce competition for spots in Brazil’s attacking line-up, Cunha has proven his worth to national team manager Tite. His pace, technical ability, and contribution to Brazil’s attacking play have made him an important part of the national team’s future. With Brazil’s wealth of attacking talent, Cunha’s potential to become a key figure in the team’s next generation is clear.

Future Outlook

At just 25 years old, Matheus Cunha is entering the prime years of his career. His development over the past few seasons suggests that he has the potential to become one of the leading forwards in Europe. Whether continuing his journey at Atlético Madrid or making a move to one of Europe’s elite clubs, Cunha’s future looks incredibly bright.

Given his adaptability, technical ability, and work ethic, Matheus Cunha is poised to become a key player in world football. His progress at Atlético Madrid, combined with his growing influence on the international stage with Brazil, suggests that he is on track to achieve great things in the coming years.

FAQs

What Position Does Matheus Cunha Play?

Matheus Cunha is primarily an attacking forward, but his versatility allows him to play across multiple positions in the attacking third. He is often deployed as a center-forward, but can also function as a winger or an attacking midfielder. His ability to play in different attacking roles makes him an invaluable asset to his teams, whether in a central or wide position.

How Many Goals Has Matheus Cunha Scored?

As of early 2025, Matheus Cunha has scored 30+ goals in competitive matches for both club and country. These goals have come across various competitions, including La Liga, the UEFA Champions League, and international matches with Brazil. Cunha’s ability to score in key moments has made him an important figure in both his club’s and national team’s attacking setups.

Has Matheus Cunha Played for Brazil?

Yes, Matheus Cunha has been a part of Brazil’s national team. He made his debut in 2020 and has since participated in World Cup qualifiers, Copa América, and other international fixtures. Cunha’s performances for Brazil have demonstrated his ability to compete at the highest level, further solidifying his status as a top talent in international football.

What Is Cunha’s Current Club?

Matheus Cunha currently plays for Atlético Madrid in La Liga, having joined the club in 2021. His time at Atlético Madrid has allowed him to develop under the tactical guidance of manager Diego Simeone. Cunha’s role in the team continues to evolve, making him a key figure in Atlético’s attacking line.

To Conclude

Matheus Cunha’s stats and performances reveal a forward with immense talent and potential. His versatility, pace, and technical skills make him a standout player for Atlético Madrid and Brazil. As he continues to develop and mature as a footballer, the footballing world will be eagerly watching his career unfold, knowing that Cunha has the potential to be one of the best forwards of his generation.

To read more, click here