Over the past 18 months, Matheus Cunha has seen a meteoric rise in both form and reputation, with the Brazilian now being recognized as one of the Premier League’s top forwards.
With 11 Premier League goals in the 2024/25 season, Cunha is now ranked just behind six other players, including the likes of Mohamed Salah, Erling Haaland, and Cole Palmer.
Since joining Wolves in January 2023, the 25-year-old has undergone a remarkable transformation into one of the league’s most formidable attacking players, and much of this growth can be attributed to the influence of manager Gary O’Neil.
Despite significant transfer interest during the winter window, Cunha chose to commit his future to Molineux, signing a new contract that will keep him at the club until 2029.
While O’Neil and current manager Vitor Pereira have played important roles in Cunha’s development, Brazilian football legend Ronaldinho has also had a profound impact on his rise to prominence.
Matheus Cunha’s Connection with Ronaldinho
For countless footballers, both past and present, Brazilian icon Ronaldinho has served as a source of inspiration and admiration.
Ronaldinho’s illustrious career spanned top clubs such as PSG, AC Milan, and Flamengo, but it was at Barcelona where he cemented his place among the greatest players of all time. Known for his dazzling skills and joyful playing style, Ronaldinho won the Ballon d’Or in 2005 during his time at the Catalan club.
Though he retired in 2018 at the age of 38, Ronaldinho continues to influence the current generation of players, including Cunha.
In an August 2024 interview with The Times, Cunha revealed that Ronaldinho often offers him guidance and occasionally reaches out with messages of support.
“I won’t say we’re friends — that’s too big a word when you talk about your idol — but he is an unbelievably good guy and when I take out my phone and see something from Ronaldinho, I start to get nervous . . . I say, ‘This is my idol and I know him!’” Cunha shared.
It’s clear that having a footballing legend like Ronaldinho as a mentor has been invaluable to Cunha, and it appears to have coincided with his standout season, which is arguably the best of his career.
Ronaldinho’s Influence on Cunha’s Stellar Season
“Every time I step on the pitch, even when there’s a lot of pressure, I just remember that this is my dream,” Cunha explained, reflecting on the key lesson he’s learned from Ronaldinho. “I just want to be here, to smile, and to do what God has given me.”
Embracing this mindset seems to have paid off handsomely, as Cunha has been directly involved in 16 goals across all competitions this season.
Beyond just his scoring prowess, Cunha’s overall game has flourished, with impressive numbers across both offensive and creative metrics.
Matheus Cunha’s 2024/25 Premier League Statistics:
Games Played: 23
Goals: 11
Assists: 4
Shots per 90: 3.41
Progressive Passes per 90: 4.61
Successful Take-Ons per 90: 2.02
Shot-Creating Actions per 90: 3.79
Since revealing his connection with Ronaldinho, Cunha’s performance on the pitch has reached new heights, and it’s clear that the Brazilian legend deserves some of the credit for his remarkable growth.
How Matheus Cunha’s unlikely friendship with Ronaldinho has enabled Wolves star to reach new heights
