Matheus Cunha’s recent hat-trick for Wolverhampton Wanderers against Bournemouth was a striking contrast to his previous three-goal performance at Stamford Bridge in February 2024, which he considers his finest moment in English football. This latest display, however, was marred by a reckless red card that has sparked discussions about his temperament on the pitch. The incident was reminiscent of a bygone era, where such acts of impulsiveness were more common. As a reminder of the evolving nature of professional football, this red card was one of the simplest to be issued this season, rivaled only by a similar moment from Millwall’s Liam Roberts earlier that day.
Cunha’s Disciplinary Challenges
The aftermath of Cunha’s dismissal has led to a three-match suspension, which may be extended, marking his second disciplinary issue this season. His first incident involved an altercation post-match against Ipswich, where he was fined £80,000 for an impulsive act of removing a steward’s glasses, a punishment later reduced after he purchased a new pair for the steward. This accumulation of disciplinary actions raises concerns about his conduct on the field.
While it may be unfair to label the Bournemouth match as the definitive Cunha experience—a blend of brilliance and folly—it does highlight the duality of his character. This was, notably, his first senior red card. Although he has faced scrutiny for his attitude throughout his career in Europe, these recent incidents suggest a worrying trend.
Passion and Performance
Despite these challenges, Cunha remains a player of extraordinary talent, characterized by a visceral approach to the game. His goals are born from the same instinctive creativity that fuels his more reckless decisions. His emotional connection to football is profound. “I am Brazilian and a very emotional guy,” he expressed in an interview with Sky Sports. “I do not play football just to win and go home; it’s my whole life. From childhood, all I wanted was to play football. I refuse to step onto the pitch and act like a robot; I want to enjoy every moment.”
This passion is both a blessing and a burden, especially considering the significance of Wolverhampton Wanderers to its fans—something that clubs like Atletico Madrid or Hertha Berlin may not evoke in their respective cities. In a recent video for the club’s YouTube channel, he spoke about the responsibility he feels to succeed for the kitman and his teammates, revealing his humble and approachable nature within the squad.
Impact on the Team
Cunha’s influence on the team cannot be overstated; Wolves have yet to win a league match this season in which he hasn’t scored. They have only managed two points in games where he hasn’t contributed a goal or an assist. His contributions account for 17 of Wolves’ 37 Premier League goals—13 scored and 4 assisted—placing him among the top players in the league. His impact is crucial; without a player of his caliber, the club would likely be facing relegation, a reality that manager Vitor Pereira clearly understands.
Managerial Insights
“Matheus is a special player, and today he played through the pain,” Pereira remarked after the match. “He has been struggling with a hamstring issue for the past few weeks but still pushed himself.” The emotional intensity surrounding the match was palpable, affecting players, coaches, and fans alike. “What happened at the end is not what should have happened, but such moments occur in football, and we must learn to manage these situations,” Pereira added.
Future Considerations
Cunha’s dedication to the club is evident, and it is clear that he is not merely using Wolves as a stepping stone for future gains. However, as he faces potential absences from important fixtures against teams like Everton, Southampton, West Ham, and Ipswich, the club may find itself at a crossroads. His release clause of £62.5 million this summer is reasonable for a player with an impressive tally of 25 goals in 55 Premier League appearances, particularly in a market that struggles to find quality forwards.
Yet, his growing disciplinary issues may raise concerns for clubs willing to invest heavily in his talents. The timing of these incidents could significantly impact Wolves’ survival prospects in the top flight, as they look to navigate the challenges ahead without their star player. While Cunha’s talent is irreplaceable, his flaws might suggest that he has already found his ideal environment in Wolverhampton—one that appreciates him for who he is, rather than who he could become. Let us hope that his next hat-trick is a more conventional display of his scoring prowess.
