Matheus Cunha’s form and stock has skyrocketed across the past 18 months, with the Brazilian now regarded as one of the Premier League’s best forwards.
Cunha’s tally of 11 Premier League goals in 2024/25 places him behind just six players in the rankings, including Mohamed Salah, Erling Haaland and Cole Palmer.
The 25-year-old has transformed into an incredible forward since joining Wolves in January 2023, with Gary O’Neil able to take some credit for his development.
Transfer interest followed Cunha throughout the winter window but fortunately, the Brazilian superstar committed his short-term future to Molineux, with Cunha signing a new contract till 2029.
While former manager O’Neil and current boss Vitor Pereira can take some credit for his rise to stardom, footballing icon Ronaldinho has also played a huge role.
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Matheus Cunha’s connection with Barcelona legend Ronaldinho
To many current and former footballers, Brazilian icon Ronaldinho has been an inspiration to start their footballing journey.
Ronaldinho enjoyed an illustrious career at some of the biggest clubs in world football, including PSG, AC Milan and Flamengo but it was at Spanish giants Barcelona where he truly became one of the greatest of all time.
Known for pulling off audacious skills and playing with a smile on his face, the 97-cap former Brazil star won the Ballon d’Or during his time at Barca in 2005.
Now aged 44, Ronaldinho has been retired since the start of 2018 however, he still inspires the current generation of footballers to reach their potential, including Cunha.
In an interview with The Times in August 2024, Cunha spoke about how Ronaldinho gives him advice and every so often sends him a text.
“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 be nervous . . . I say, ‘This is my idol and I know him!” the Wolves star said.
It’s great that Cunha has one of the footballing greats to text for advice, coincidentally, it’s seen him have arguably the best campaign of his career so far.
Ronaldinho is directly responsible for Cunha’s excellent season
“Always when I go to the pitch, even if I have a lot of pressure, it is to remember this is my dream. And then I only want to be here to smile and do the things that God gives me,” Cunha said of the key lesson he takes from Ronaldinho.
Taking the Brazilian’s advice has clearly worked because the former Atletico Madrid has 16 goal involvements in all competitions this term.
Meanwhile, his all-round has also flourished, with the Brazilian producing outrageous numbers across his attacking and creative metrics.
| Matheus Cunha 2024/25 Premier League stats | Statistic |
| Games | 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 | 3.79 |
Since he revealed his connection with Ronaldinho, Cunha’s game has reached a new level and the Barcelona icon can certainly take some of the credit.