AliousMatheus Cunha is currently one of the Premier League’s standout performers, but how does his stellar form impact his chances of representing Brazil? To get a clearer picture, *Molineux News* spoke with Brazilian journalist Rogerio Amaral Junior.
When Julen Lopetegui secured Cunha from Atlético Madrid in January 2023 for £45 million, there were doubts about whether he would justify the hefty price tag. At the time, Wolves knew they were signing a player of immense quality, but his struggles in front of goal were concerning. Now, those struggles feel like a distant memory. Under the guidance of Vitor Pereira—just as he had under Gary O’Neil—Cunha has been thriving, becoming a dominant force in the attacking third.
Since the start of last season, the 25-year-old has been directly involved in 36 Premier League goals, yet his contributions seem to have gone unnoticed at the international level. Cunha has played just 36 minutes for Brazil since the 2023/24 campaign began and hasn’t received a national team call-up since September 2023. This puzzling situation led *Molineux News* to seek insight from Amaral Junior, the Editor-in-Chief at *Vamo Futebol*.
According to Junior, one key reason for Cunha’s lack of fan support in Brazil is his background. Unlike many players who have built strong reputations in South America, Cunha left Brazil early in his career without playing for a major domestic club. As a result, he lacks the widespread backing of Selecão supporters, who are more familiar with players like Joao Gomes and Andre.
However, the perception among football journalists in Brazil is quite different. Many in the media see Cunha as a legitimate contender for a starting spot in the national team, praising his outstanding performances at Wolves. Junior believes Cunha could be a surprise inclusion for Brazil, given that the national team currently lacks strong options in his position. With coach Dorival Junior testing various attacking options, Cunha’s ongoing form might make him impossible to ignore.
Cunha, no doubt, has his sights set on securing a place in Brazil’s 2026 World Cup squad—especially after the heartbreak of missing out on the 2022 tournament. The rejection took a significant emotional toll on him, leading to depressive feelings, as he admitted in a BBC interview. Reflecting on that difficult time, Cunha credited Wolves for giving him a fresh start and helping him rediscover his passion for football.
With his career now on an upward trajectory, Cunha is determined to make his mark on the international stage. If he maintains his exceptional form, Brazil may have no choice but to finally give him the recognition he deserves.
Alious
