Matheus Cunha has been called up to the Brazil national team for the country’s upcoming World Cup Qualifiers against Colombia and Argentina.
Despite Cunha being suspended for Wolves following his straight red card against Bournemouth in the FA Cup earlier this month, the South American will be expecting to return to action during the latest international break.
The Wolves forward has been selected by Dorival Junior and will be hopeful of making his first international appearance since Brazil’s 2-0 defeat to Uruguay in October 2024.
READ: Jorgen Strand Larsen reveals how the Wolves squad truly feel without Matheus Cunha
Tearful Matheus Cunha once ‘idolised’ Neymar
Cunha is one of 11 Wolves players to be called up by their countries during March’s international break, and it comes as no surprise.
Cunha has been sensational this season and remains Wolves’ most important player.
There was a time when the South American wasn’t as prominent, and instead, was in awe of his compatriots, though.
Speaking to Bundesliga in 2020, Cunha, who played for Hertha Berlin at the time, revealed how he “cried tears of joy” after receiving his first call-up.
“It was after dinner, so I wanted to relax for a bit,” he said. “Then the call came. I was so happy about it. I immediately cried tears of joy. I then told my family and we all cried together. I’m really, really happy. It’s a dream come true.”
The forward’s international experience turned even more dreamlike when he was included in the Brazil squad’s WhatsApp group.
He added: “I wrote that I was happy to be part of it, and Neymar responded straightway by saying ‘welcome!’ He’s an idol for me.”
Since his comments, Cunha has shared a pitch with Neymar on six occasions, totalling 122 minutes.
Matheus Cunha and Neymar’s Stats for Brazil
| Season | Competition | Fixture | Result |
| 20-21 | World Cup Qualifier | Chile vs Brazil | 0:1 |
| 20-21 | World Cup Qualifier | Brazil vs Peru | 2:0 |
| 20-21 | World Cup Qualifier | Brazil vs Colombia | 1:0 |
| 22-23 | Friendly | Brazil vs Ghana | 3:0 |
| 22-23 | World Cup Qualifier | Brazil vs Bolivia | 5:1 |
| 22-23 | World Cup Qualifier | Brazil vs Venezuela | 1:1 |
When played together, the pair have never lost a match, averaging an impressive 2.67 points per match.
A star in his own right
Fast forward nearly five years and Cunha is no longer a starstruck fanboy.
The Wolves forward has become a star in his own right.
In fact, it is Neymar’s recall to Selecao’s squad that has caught the most headlines.
The former Barcelona star is Brazil’s all-time top goalscorer with 79 goals but has been sidelined for nearly a year through injury.
During that time, Cunha has enjoyed a meteoric rise. He has netted 15 goals and registered four assists, in all competitions, since the start of the season and, with a £62.5 million release clause, is expected to become this summer’s big Premier League mover.
Cunha’s recent call-up is both well-earned and to be expected, and with players like Neymar among Brazil’s other stars, this is arguably the biggest compliment the Wolves star could be paid.