of manchester united Matheus Cunha has scored three goals for Brazil at the World Cup, but a home story is a reminder of his relationship with the coach who first believed in him.
In Recife, the capital of Brazil's Pernambuco state, the coach who first helped shape Cunha's career has revealed he keeps two photographs of the forward on a small altar inside his home. One of them was taken on Cunha's wedding day, and the story behind it says a lot about the bond they still share today.
talking to globo esporteBarao Xavier, the owner of the Barao training centre, where Cunha developed as a youth player, explained that he placed photographs on the altar after the Manchester United player received a World Cup call-up.
There is also a wedding photograph of the couple with flowers, a candle and images of the Virgin Mary.
"It's from her wedding day," Xavier said. "It's a picture that really fascinates me because he came and sat on my lap, just like he did when he was little. It shows affection, it shows love, even after everything he's achieved."
The second photo shows Cunha representing Brazil against Spain.
Javier admitted that he put both pictures there because he feared that an injury might derail Cunha's World Cup dream, which he had waited so long to achieve.
“We always ask for God's protection and the safety of our lady because we are Catholic and her family is also Catholic.
"I even told him, 'Matthias, be careful in that last friendship.' But he said, 'Don't worry uncle, we are experienced now.'
Success hasn't changed him
Xavier first welcomed Matheus Cunha into their futsal project when the future Manchester United striker was just 11 years old.
The young player traveled approximately 120 km from his hometown of João Pessoa in Paraiba state to Recife two or three times a week just to train. Sometimes due to long journeys he would stay at Xavier's house.
Despite everything that has happened since then, the relationship has remained exactly the same.
When Cunha recently returned to Recife, he donated 16 pairs of football boots to the academy, signed shirts for the youth and even joined in a match with the children, scoring during the trip.
"Success hasn't gone to their heads" Xavier said."Because of the distance he would come and train two or three times a week. It was a sacrifice."
"He traveled with me to Switzerland twice. We had to raise money, organize lotteries and sometimes destiny surprises you."
Watching the World Cup brought back all the memories.
Xavier was almost speechless after seeing Matheus Cunha score twice against Haiti and once against Scotland.
"I was stunned. I couldn't react because you always anticipate it, but you never know what your reaction will be."
"In a matter of seconds, your whole life flashes before your eyes. I remembered him when he was eight, then brought him into the project when he was nine, then became the best player in the world at a youth tournament in Switzerland when he was 10 or 11."
The memories also included failures.
"I remember breaking his ankle when he was 15. Then when he was 16 and missing out on a trip to Italy."
"That was the moment when everything changed. He cried a lot. His father wanted to take him home, but I told him to stay and learn about the club."
"At that time he was a defensive midfielder. They promoted him to the under-19s because they were short of players, and that's when he became a striker."
Still helping the next generation
Barao Training Center has been preparing footballers in Recife for more than 30 years. The academy endured a difficult period last year, spending seven months without a training ground and using public squares before eventually returning to its original home under new management.
Today, Xavier runs the project with his wife and four daughters, in which approximately 150 children are enrolled.
About 60% of them come from underprivileged backgrounds and receive free training.
"Most of them come from tough backgrounds and we include them. We work a lot with inclusion. If a kid can't afford the fees or the kit, they don't pay. We make sure they can still play."
🇩🇪 Felix Nmecha | The player finds Manchester United more attractive than Newcastle United ➡️ Is also curious about Cityhttps://t.co/vwbbTa5GLw #free #mcfc #nufc
- Sports Witness (@Sport_Witness) 29 June 2026
