Matheus Cunha: Hero Or Villain?

Matheus Cunha is without a doubt Wolves’ most talented attacking player. This season he has scored 15 goals and registered four assists in 29 games across all competitions, helping his side move away from the relegation zone. His performances have earned him interest from the likes of Arsenal as they look for a new striker to release the burden on Kai Havertz. However Cunha has a dark side that has been revealed in the pressure of a relegation scrap and an FA Cup run this season.

A Hero?

Wolves are certainly a flashy team when Cunha is playing. He has a flair that few other players in the side have, and he has the ability to score from anywhere, as demonstrated by his incredible strike against Bournemouth in the FA Cup. This season he has put in some crucial performances against the likes of Aston Villa, Fulham and Manchester United which has dragged his team from the relegation fight to a comfortable position, nine points clear of the bottom three.

Matheus Cunha signed a new Wolves contract until 2029, moments after scoring in their 2-0 win over Aston Villa! 🤝 pic.twitter.com/ei9cCr7ukS

— Premier League (@premierleague) February 1, 2025

He is a full Brazil international, something that very few players get to say, having played for them 12 times. Before this current international break, his last appearance for them was back in 2023, before he had signed for Wolves, but given his form this season, he was recalled into the side.

Cunha signed a new contract in February which put a £63m release clause in there, amidst interest for the Brazilian from the Gunners. This means that not only could Cunha be heroic on the pitch, but the money from his sale could fund three or four players in the summer to really bolster out the Wolves squad. Given his performances, his worth, and his international pedigree, why are most Wolves fans happy to see him go?

A Villain?

Cunha might be immensely talented, but he can sometimes be a bit hotheaded. Twice this season he had violent confrontations on the football pitch which have resulted in bans. The first one was after the full time whistle in Gary O’Neil’s last game in charge of Wolves, at home to Ipswich Town. Cunha had scored in that game, but Wolves ultimately lost the match and his frustrations got the better of him, elbowing an Ipswich Town employee before pulling off his glasses. This resulted in a two game ban, one FA Cup match and one in the Premier League.

🚨🇧🇷 Matheus Cunha put his hands on the face of an Ipswich Town staff member after the full-time whistle. (@ESPNUK) pic.twitter.com/apQ71oAs8W

— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) December 14, 2024

The second occasion in which Cunha lost his temper was more detrimental to the Wolves team. In extra time in their FA Cup tie against Bournemouth, another game in which Cunha had scored in, the Brazilian was sent off for punching, kicking, and headbutting Milos Kerkez after the Hungarian had pulled his shirt. It wasn’t as if Cunha was through on goal, about to win the game for his team as the referee had already blown the whistle for an offside before Kerkez got ahold of Cunha, so the Brazilian’s reaction was a little over the top.

The game went to penalties and Cunha would have definitely taken one, however with him not on the pitch, the Cherries were victorious, with Matt Doherty, the fifth penalty taker, missing for Wolves. The subsequent ban for Cunha is still in place, however he is expected to return after the international break.

Life After Cunha

Wolves fans are now preparing for life after Cunha next season, and many are looking forward to it. Vitor Pereira has impressed since joining the club, and a full pre-season and transfer window with him at the helm could see a new Wolves next season. With how much Cunha is likely to go for, they could be seeing three or four new players in his position.

🚨🇧🇷 The release clause included into Matheus Cunha’s new deal will be available for £62.5m.

It’s confirmed and open to being triggered from summer 2025, as @JPercyTelegraph reports. pic.twitter.com/nxqlaOHgqq

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 7, 2025

The only question is if Wolves can survive without their key man next year. Before their win over bottom of the league Southampton, it had been over a year since the club had won a game without Cunha on the score sheet. Even though Southampton could end up as the worst Premier League team of all time, the win is a start of something new at Wolves.