According to Xoilac Matheus Luiz Nunes (born August 27, 1998) is a professional footballer who plays as a right-back or central midfielder for Premier League club Manchester City and the Portugal national team. Renowned for his explosive ball-carrying acceleration, line-breaking press resistance, versatile tactical intelligence, and physical dueling power, Nunes has established himself as a trusted multi-positional asset under Pep Guardiola.
1. Early Life & Career Foundations in Portugal
- Origins: Born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Nunes moved to Ericeira in the Lisbon District of Portugal at age 12 with his family. To assist his family during his teenager years, he balanced youth football at local side Ericeirense while working in a family bakery.
- Lower Division Development: Nunes played senior football for Ericeirense in the Portuguese 6th division before signing for LigaPro club Estoril in 2018.
- Sporting CP Breakthrough: In January 2019, Sporting CP acquired Nunes. Under manager Rúben Amorim, he made his top-flight debut in June 2020 and helped Sporting CP capture their historic 2020–21 Primeira Liga title, along with two consecutive Taça da Liga trophies.
2. Premier League Career
Wolverhampton Wanderers (2022–2023)
- Club-Record Transfer: In August 2022, Wolverhampton Wanderers signed Nunes for a club-record €45 million (£38 million) fee.
- Goal of the Month: He quickly adapted to English football, producing a iconic volley against Chelsea in April 2023 that won the Premier League Goal of the Month.
Manchester City (2023–Present)
- Etihad Arrival: In September 2023, Manchester City signed Nunes on a five-year contract for £53 million.
- Positional Evolution: Initially signed as a dynamic box-to-box central midfielder, Pep Guardiola converted Nunes to an inverted right-back.
- Silverware Success: In his seasons at the Etihad Stadium, Nunes has helped City win the Premier League (2023–24), FIFA Club World Cup (2023), FA Community Shield (2024), FA Cup (2025–26), and EFL Cup (2025–26).
3. International Career with Portugal
- International Choice: Eligible for both Brazil and Portugal, Nunes opted to represent Portugal 🇵🇹, making his senior debut in October 2021.
- Major Tournaments: He represented Portugal at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, UEFA Euro 2024 in Germany, and the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
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4. Player Profile & Overview
| Attribute / Career Feature | Details |
| Position | Right-Back / Central Midfielder |
| Height | 1.83 m (6 ft 0 in) |
| Dominant Foot | Right |
| Key Strengths | Progressive ball carrying, acceleration, press resistance, tactical flexibility |
| Sporting CP | 1× Primeira Liga (2020–21), 2× Taça da Liga, 1× Supertaça |
| Manchester City | 1× Premier League, 1× FA Cup, 1× EFL Cup, 1× FIFA Club World Cup, 1× FA Community Shield |
| Individual Honours | Primeira Liga Team of the Year (2021–22), Premier League Goal of the Month (April 2023) |
5. Conclusion
Matheus Nunes’s journey from working in a Lisbon bakery and playing in local regional leagues to conquering major silverware with Sporting CP and Manchester City highlights his perseverance and tactical intellect. Possessing the technical capability to break lines as a midfielder alongside the defensive athleticism to excel at right-back, Nunes remains an invaluable core component in Pep Guardiola’s squad.
