40 Facts About Matheus Nunes

Source: Skysports.com

Matheus Nunes is a name that resonates with football enthusiasts worldwide. Born on August 27, 1998, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Nunes has risen from humble beginnings to become a standout midfielder for Manchester City and the Portugal national team. His journey is a testament to resilience and hard work, having faced significant hardships early in life. From working in a bakery to cycling to training, his dedication to football never wavered. Opting to represent Portugal despite his Brazilian roots, Nunes has made significant strides in his career, including a record transfer to Wolverhampton Wanderers and later to Manchester City. His story is one of determination, talent, and unwavering commitment.

Key Takeaways:

Matheus Nunes overcame poverty and hardship to become a football star, balancing work at a bakery with his passion for the game. His journey from humble beginnings to success inspires many.
Despite facing challenges and controversies, Matheus Nunes' dedication to football and his family has led to significant achievements, including representing Portugal on the international stage.

Table of Contents

Early Life and Background

Matheus Nunes' journey from humble beginnings to football stardom is nothing short of inspiring. Let's dive into his early life and background to understand the roots of his determination.

Birth and Early Life: Matheus Luiz Nunes was born on August 27, 1998, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. His early years were marked by significant hardships.
Family Background: Raised by his mother, Catia Regina, and stepfather, Timo Nummelin, after his father left, Nunes and his siblings faced starvation and poverty.
Early Football Career: Matheus began playing football with Ericeirense, a local side in the 6th division of Portuguese football. To support his family, he also worked at his godfather's bakery.
Move to Portugal: At 12, Nunes moved to Ericeira, Lisbon District, with his mother and stepfather, marking a pivotal change in his life and football career.
Dual Nationality: Holding both Portuguese and Brazilian nationalities, Nunes chose to represent Portugal on the international stage.
Education: Nunes attended a community school in Lisbon. Despite the lack of detailed records, his natural wisdom and determination shone through.

Balancing Work and Football

Matheus Nunes' early years in Portugal were a balancing act between work and football. His dedication to both is a testament to his work ethic.

Family Bakery: Matheus worked at "Pasteis de Nata," his family's bakery, waking up at 5 a.m. to open the shop before heading out to train.
Training Routine: His day began early with training, followed by long hours on his feet selling pastries, and then more training after work.
Cycling to Training: Cycling to the training ground added to his physical fitness and endurance, showcasing his commitment.

Rise in Football

Nunes' hard work paid off as he began to rise in the football world, moving from local clubs to top-tier teams.

First Club Debut: Matheus made his senior debut for Ericeirense during the 2015–16 season in the Lisbon Football Association.
Trial at Oriental: In 2017, Nunes started on trial at Oriental but wasn't signed due to a thigh injury. He returned to Ericeirense afterward.
Move to Estoril: Nunes then moved to LigaPro side Estoril, playing mostly in the reserve team.
Primeira Liga Debut: In January 2019, Matheus joined Primeira Liga side Sporting CP, quickly becoming a key player and helping the team win multiple titles.
Primeira Liga Team of the Year: In 2022, Nunes was named in the Primeira Liga Team of the Year for his outstanding performances.

Transition to the Premier League

Matheus Nunes' talent caught the eye of Premier League clubs, leading to significant transfers and new opportunities.

Transfer to Wolverhampton Wanderers: In August 2022, Nunes signed a five-year contract with Wolverhampton Wanderers for a club-record transfer worth €45 million (£38 million).
Wolverhampton Wanderers Debut: He made his Wolves debut three days after signing, starting in a 1–0 defeat against Tottenham Hotspur.
Home Premier League Debut: His home Premier League debut was in a 1–1 draw with Newcastle United at Molineux.
First Goal for Wolves: Matheus scored his first goal for Wolves in a 1–0 home win against Chelsea on April 8, 2023.

Joining Manchester City

Nunes' career took another leap forward with his transfer to Manchester City, where he continued to impress.

Transfer to Manchester City: On August 30, 2023, a £53 million bid from Manchester City was agreed upon. The transfer was confirmed on September 1, 2023.
Manchester City Debut: Matheus made his debut for Manchester City on September 16, coming off the bench in a 3–1 victory against West Ham United.
First Start for Manchester City: Three days later, he played the full 90 minutes in a 3–1 home win over Red Star Belgrade in the UEFA Champions League.
First Premier League Start for Manchester City: Nunes made his first Premier League start for City in a 2–0 home victory over Nottingham Forest, assisting Erling Haaland's goal.
First Trophy with Manchester City: Nunes won his first trophy at City on December 22, assisting Julian Álvarez's goal in the 2023 FIFA Club World Cup final.
First Goal for Manchester City: Matheus scored his first goal for Manchester City on September 24, 2024, in the EFL Cup, securing a 2–1 win over Watford.

International Career

Matheus Nunes' international career has been marked by significant decisions and achievements, representing Portugal on the global stage.

International Debut: Matheus made his senior international debut for Portugal in 2021, playing in the 2022 FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro 2024.
Portuguese Passport: On August 8, 2021, after living in Portugal for ten years, Nunes received his Portuguese passport.
Call-Up by Brazil: Late in August 2021, Nunes was called up by Brazil for World Cup qualifiers but refused due to COVID-19 vaccination requirements.
Decision to Play for Portugal: Nunes chose to represent Portugal after being contacted by national team manager Fernando Santos.
Portugal National Team: Matheus has been a key player for Portugal, helping them win all ten qualifying matches for UEFA Euro 2024.
European Championship 2024: In June 2024, Portugal called up Nunes for the European Championship to replace the injured Otávio.
Group Stage Opponents: Portugal's Group G opponents at Euro 2024 include the Czech Republic, Georgia, and Turkey.

Controversies and Challenges

Despite his success, Matheus Nunes has faced challenges and controversies that have tested his resilience.

Arrest in Madrid: In September 2024, Nunes was arrested in Madrid after allegedly stealing a phone from a 58-year-old man in a nightclub.
Release from Custody: Matheus was released after his lawyer's intervention, sparking controversy and raising questions about his future.
Potential Charges: Nunes may face charges for the incident, with the matter to be resolved in court.
UEFA Champions League Appearance: Days after his arrest, Matheus played in a UEFA Champions League match, helping Manchester City win 4–0 against Slovan Bratislava.
Club Action Halt: At the time of his arrest, club action was paused due to the international break, and he wasn’t called up by Portugal for September’s Nation League clashes.

Financial and Contractual Details

Matheus Nunes' financial and contractual details highlight his value and importance to his clubs.

Salary at Manchester City: Nunes is one of Manchester City's highest-paid players, earning £130,000 per week.
Contract Extension: In October 2019, Nunes’ contract was extended, increasing his buyout clause from 45 million to 60 million Euros.

Team Achievements and Personal Life

Nunes' contributions to his teams and his personal life story are equally compelling.

Team Achievements: During his time at Sporting CP, Matheus helped the team win a Primeira Liga title and back-to-back Taças da Liga in 2021 and 2022.
Personal Life: Despite his rise to fame, Matheus remains grounded and dedicated to his family, inspiring many with his journey from poverty to stardom.

Matheus Nunes: A Journey of Resilience and Triumph

Matheus Nunes' story is one of grit and determination. From his humble beginnings in Rio de Janeiro to becoming a key player for Manchester City and the Portugal national team, his journey is nothing short of inspiring. Despite facing significant hardships, including working at a bakery to support his family, Matheus never gave up on his dream. His move to Portugal at age 12 marked a turning point, leading to his rise through the ranks of professional football. Whether it's his debut for Sporting CP, his record transfer to Wolverhampton Wanderers, or his current success at Manchester City, Matheus has consistently proven his worth on the field. Even with recent controversies, his resilience shines through. Matheus Nunes exemplifies how hard work and perseverance can overcome adversity, making him a true role model in the world of football.

Frequently Asked Questions

QWhat position does Matheus Nunes play on the field?

Matheus Nunes shines as a midfielder, where his skills in ball handling and strategic play come to the forefront. His ability to navigate through opponents and set up plays makes him a key player in his team's lineup.

QHow did Matheus Nunes start his professional soccer career?

His journey into professional soccer began with Ericeirense, a small club in Portugal. From there, his talent caught the eye of bigger clubs, leading him to sign with Sporting CP, where he truly began to make a name for himself on the international stage.

QHas Matheus Nunes played for any national teams?

Yes, indeed! Initially eligible to play for Brazil, Nunes made a significant decision to represent Portugal at the international level. This choice added an exciting chapter to his career, allowing him to showcase his skills on a broader stage.

QWhat makes Matheus Nunes stand out from other midfielders?

Nunes' exceptional ability to maintain possession under pressure and his precise passing are standout traits. Moreover, his versatility allows him to adapt to various midfield roles, making him a valuable asset to his team.

QCan you tell me about a memorable moment in Matheus Nunes' career?

One highlight that fans often recall is his performance in a match against Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League. Nunes' skillful play was instrumental in securing a victory for Sporting CP, earning him praise from fans and sports analysts alike.

QWhat clubs has Matheus Nunes played for?

Starting his career at Ericeirense, Nunes then made a significant move to Sporting CP. His impressive performances there have sparked interest from top European clubs, hinting at an exciting future ahead in his career.

QHow has Matheus Nunes contributed to his current team?

Beyond just his on-field prowess, Nunes brings a spirit of determination and resilience to the team. His work ethic and ability to inspire teammates have been key factors in his team's successes, both domestically and in European competitions.

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