Matheus Cunha’s former coach shares emotional World Cup story

Matheus Cunha may be making headlines for Brazil at the World Cup, but one of the tournament's most touching stories is unfolding thousands of miles away in his hometown.

The Manchester United forward has already scored three goals for Brazil, yet his former youth coach, Barão Xavier, has revealed he has been praying daily for Cunha's health, keeping two photographs of the striker on a small altar in his home in the hope of protecting him from injury.

Speaking to Globo Esporte, the coach who helped shape Cunha's early career explained why the Manchester United star still occupies such a special place in his life.

Inside Xavier's home in Recife sits a small altar featuring flowers, a candle, images of the Virgin Mary and two photographs of Cunha.

One picture was taken on the striker's wedding day, while the other shows him representing Brazil.

The former coach admitted he placed the photographs there after Cunha was selected for the World Cup, fearing injury could deny him the opportunity he had spent years chasing.

"It's from the day of his wedding. It's a photo that really gets me because he came and sat on my lap, just like he used to do when he was little. It shows affection, it shows love, even after everything he's achieved."

Xavier also revealed the pair spoke before one of Brazil's final warm-up matches.

"We always ask for God's protection and Our Lady's protection because we're Catholics and his family are too."

"I even told him, 'Matheus, be careful in that last friendly.' But he said, 'Don't worry, uncle, we're experienced now.'"

Xavier first met Cunha when the future Brazil international joined his futsal academy as a young boy.

Travelling almost 120 kilometres several times a week from João Pessoa to Recife, Cunha regularly stayed at his coach's home because of the long journey.

Despite now playing at the highest level, Xavier says their relationship remains exactly the same.

During a recent visit to the academy, Cunha donated 16 pairs of football boots, signed shirts for young players and joined them for a training match.

"Success hasn't gone to his head."

"He used to come and train two or three times a week because of the distance. It was a sacrifice."
Having followed the development of many South American players before they moved to Europe, stories like Cunha's highlight how influential youth coaches often remain long after players reach the elite level. The bond between player and mentor clearly extends far beyond football, offering a rare insight into the personal support systems behind international careers.

Watching Cunha score twice against Haiti before adding another goal against Scotland brought back decades of memories for Xavier.

Among them was a difficult period when the youngster suffered a broken ankle at 15 before being left out of a trip to Italy a year later.

Rather than allowing disappointment to define his career, Xavier persuaded both Cunha and his father to remain patient.

That decision ultimately proved decisive.

Originally playing as a defensive midfielder, Cunha was promoted to an Under-19 squad because of injuries elsewhere and was converted into a striker.

The positional switch transformed his career and eventually helped pave the way towards European football and a move to Manchester United.

Barão Training Centre continues to support the next generation of footballers more than three decades after opening its doors.

After spending seven months without a permanent training ground last year, the academy has returned to its original home and now works with around 150 young players.

According to Xavier, approximately 60 per cent of those children come from disadvantaged backgrounds and are able to train free of charge.

"Most of them come from difficult backgrounds and we take them in. We work a lot with inclusion. If a child can't afford the fees or the kit, they don't pay. We make sure they can still play."

Cunha will now look to continue his impressive World Cup form as Brazil progress through the knockout stages. Back in Brazil, Xavier will continue following every match, hoping the player he first coached as a child can fulfil the dream they have shared for many years.

What do stories like Matheus Cunha's reveal about the importance of youth coaches in modern football?