An Inspiring Journey of Matheus Nunes: From Struggles to Football Stardom

Matheus Nunes, a highly intelligent footballer, grew up without his father, raised by his mother, Catia Regina, and his stepfather, Timo Nummelin. Matheus and his siblings faced significant hardships and starvation early on. Determined to lift his family out of poverty through football, he worked and trained simultaneously. During those challenging early years, Nunes would wake up at 5 a.m. while his teammates were still asleep. His day began by opening his family’s bakery shop and then heading out to hone his football skills. This article delves into the inspiring story of Catia Regina’s son and his journey in football.

An Inspiring Journey of Matheus Nunes: From Struggles to Football Stardom

An Inspiring Journey of Matheus Nunes: From Struggles to Football Stardom

Preamble:

Our version of Matheus Nune’s Biography begins by unfolding the remarkable events of his boyhood years. Next, we’ll explain his ethnic heritage and early career highlights with Ericeirense and Estoril. Finally, we’ll discuss how the central midfielder rose behind club rejections to achieve fame in football.

We anticipate whetting your autobiography appetite as you read Matheus Nunes’ Bio. To do that, we have put together this photo gallery that gives you a glimpse of how far the Man City star has come. Yes, the son of Catia Regina has come a long way in his amazing life journey.

Behold Matheus Nunes's biography - From his early years to being a champion in the league. Image: Instagram/matheusnunes73.

Behold Matheus Nunes’s biography – From his early years to being a champion in the league. Image: Instagram/matheusnunes73.

Yes,… you might be surprised why Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp suddenly fell in love with the midfielder’s gameplay just after he arrived in the Premier League. They love Nunes because they see him as one of the best in the world in terms of players who have good passing range and a midfielder who can get forward and contribute to attack.

Despite the several accolades for the tall and lanky athlete, only a few soccer fans have read Matheus Nunes’ Biography. Hence, we have put together this incredible piece that takes you an inch closer to the life of your favourite player. Without wasting time, let’s begin.

Matheus Nunes Childhood Story:

For Biography starters, the Portuguese professional footballer bears the nickname “Saint Matheus”. And his full name is Matheus Luiz Nunes. Matheus Nunes was born on the 27th day of August 1998 to his mother, Catia Regina and his father, Mr. Nunes, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Early on in his childhood, it was alleged that Matheus Nunes’s father left the family. It is much related to the Hernandez brothers, Lucas and Theo.

Matheus, as a little boy growing up in Brazil, never knew his Biological dad. But then, nature blessed him with a stepdad who took very good care of him.

Before proceeding further, here is the photo of the persons Matheus Nunes calls his parents – his Mum and Stepdad.

Meet Matheus Nunes' Mother and Stepfather. Source: Instagram/matheusnunes73.

Meet Matheus Nunes’ Mother and Stepfather. Source: Instagram/matheusnunes73.

Growing-Up Years/ Early Life:

Matheus Nunes grew up with his mother, Catia Regina and his three siblings in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. However, in the near future, after his mother’s remarriage, his younger ones became five in number as his mom had two more kids. Here are some of his siblings with him.

Meet Matheus Nunes's Family- His mother, Catia, Stepfather and two sisters. Credit- Instagram/matheusnunes73.

Meet Matheus Nunes’s Family- His mother, Catia, Stepfather and two sisters. Credit- Instagram/matheusnunes73.

Growing up without a father is almost impossible to imagine the struggle the only parent in the home suffered.

What about the effect it had on young Matheus? The fact that he had to step up and play the role of a father at a tender age is unimaginable.

Life at that stage was very tough and unbearable. Even though Matheus Nunes’ mother was working, more was needed for the four-person family. Hence, there were days when feeding was scrapped out to survive the next day.

Thankfully, the situation changed a little when Matheus Nunes’s stepfather, Timo Nummelin, married his mother.

The whole family moved to Ericeira, Lisbon District, in Portugal. At the time of the relocation, the footballer was 12 years old.

With the new father figure’s presence, Nunes got someone he could look up to. However, it was his mother who introduced him to football. And that was how he came to love the legend, Ronaldinho.

Even when there was no ball available to practise, Saint Matheus and his brother would play with socks.

And when he was out, he played barefooted, returning with a black foot full of dirt. No matter the situation, football was the getaway for the young lad.

Matheus Nunes Family Background:

From the previous sections, it was difficult for Matheus Nunes’s mother to care for the family. So then they were penniless and trying so hard to survive. All the thought for the day is how to feed and wake up.

However, the situation improved drastically when Matheus Nunes’s stepfather came into the picture. Not only did the family move to another country, but they also began a business. It was the family bakery company with the midfielder as a salesman.

Now, Matheus Nunes’s family had the basic things they needed. Although they didn’t become rich, it was far better than it had been from the beginning. So, we could assume they were with the money from the bakery business.

Family Origin:

Firstly, Matheus Nunes was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil’s second most populous city. It was in the town where he spent most of his childhood with his family. The map shows his birth country as Brazilian.

Brazil is the Birthplace of Nunes. Source: World Atlas.

Brazil is the Birthplace of Nunes. Source: World Atlas.

However, when Saint Matheus was 12, he moved to Ericeira with his stepfather and siblings.

It is a civil parish and seaside community on the western coast of Portugal. His family settled in the Lisbon district of the country.

Ten years down the lane, the athlete got his Portuguese and citizen card. That was how he came to represent the country instead of his birthplace. This means that Matheus Nunes has two nationalities: Portugal and Brazil.

Ethnicity:

The footballer has been called a European Portuguese because of Matheus Nunes’s dual nationality. So, it means he belongs to the white ethnic group.

Education:

Matheus Nunes is said to have attended a community school in Lisbon. However, there has yet to be a record of his education before his stay in Brazil.

Nonetheless, there are no records of the kind of student the athlete was. Was Nunes a sharp-minded learner or a slow grasper of knowledge? However, seeing the type of life he grew up in, his natural wisdom made him a fast learner.

Matheus Nunes Biography – Football Story:

The Rio-born star began his club career in Ericeirense in the Lisbon district. At that time, he was 12 years old as his family was just new to town. Nunes joined in the 6th division and debuted in the junior section.

It was only a short time before he made his way to the 2015/16 season in the senior group. In the summer of 2018, Nunes signed with the Estoril club and made his debut in the game against Varzim. However, he was put on the reserve team because of his injury.

But during his stay with the Estoril club, Nunes had 13 appearances and two goals. However, this was the little progress the midfielder had made after coming out of Brazil. All the trials he had been going through were not fruitful during his childhood.

Journey to Recognition:

The Rio-born star didn’t get to the top. Firstly, moving from his hometown to Portugal, Matheus Nunes’s family got a business. It was a bakery with the name “Pasteis de Nata” that made bread and other pastries.

As a dutiful son, Nunes had to help his mother and stepfather become a salesman. This was the routine for the aspiring professional footballer. Firstly, he wakes up by 5 a.m., according to TheAthletic. And that’s when he goes to train a little before opening the shop.

And because of his position, Matheus stands on his feet for a long time. After the close of work, he heads back to the training ground. At the same time, his means of transportation is cycling to the centre.

Saint Matheus had gotten several pieces of training with clubs like Lille, Braga and Benfica. However, none of them wanted him on their team. It must have been very disheartening to face that kind of rejection from not just one but close to three groups.

But then the future was brighter than he could imagine. Sporting CP offered him a contract just a few months before his birthday. The deal was in January 2019 for a fee of €500,000 and a €45 million buyout clause.

Matheus Nunes Biography – Rise to Fame Story:

The central midfielder arrived at the same time as Bruno Fernadez, a left winger. Not too long on the 23rd of October 2019, Nunes’ contract was extended, and his buyout clause grew from 45 million to 60 million Euros.

Joining the first call-up team, Matheus scored his first goal which earned him a man of the match award. Playing alongside Gonzalo Plata and Joao Mario, throughout his stay, the midfielder helped Sporting CP to win league wins.

On the 17th of August, Saint Matheus joined the English Premier League. The Wolverhampton Wanderers gave him a deal worth over 40 million euros.

It was a record surpassing Fabio Silva’s 32 million euros. At the same time, he was playing alongside some athletes like Diego Costa, Fabio Silva, Adama Traore, and Leonardo Campana.

Nunes has dual citizenship in Portugal and Brazil. However, he chose to represent the Portuguese against his birth country. The Brazilian coach was to quarantine home due to needing the complete vaccination for COVID-19.

Honouring the call by Fabio Santos, Matheus joined Portugal on the 30th of September for the 2022 World Cup. He was also called upon in October 2022 alongside 55 other players for Qatar FIFA.

At the time of writing Matheus Nunes’s biography, what were people saying about him? Pep Guardiola describes him as one of the best players in the world. While others still compare him to legends like Xavi and Andres Iniesta.

Football fans weren’t surprised to see Guardiola sealing a Matheus Nunes deal after he approved the departure of Cole Palmer to Chelsea. The rest is history, they said.

Love Life:

Without a doubt, the former Primera Liga Midfielder has come a long way from his humble background. Although he is not yet where he wants to be, he is successful.

In addition to his football victories, the 6-foot player is handsome and will be on the radar for female attention. Indeed, a long string of girls would want to occupy the position of the love of his life.

We are not the only one curious to know who Matheus Nunes’s girlfriend is; his fans are included. The midfielder’s post recently showed a photo of a cute gingerbread lady. Here is the image that has many tongues wagging.

Could this Lady be Matheus Nunes' Girlfriend? Image: Instagram/matheusnues73.

Could this Lady be Matheus Nunes’ Girlfriend? Image: Instagram/matheusnues73.

While there is no information if she is his girlfriend, she might be someone special as she spends the holidays with the footballer. We gladly chose to accept his privacy and stay put till Nunes made the confirmation himself.

Personality:

Who is Matheus Nunes outside of the football pitch? The Premier League player is a family guy who loves to spend time with the ones closest to his heart.

Matheus Nunes’s siblings, his mother, and his stepfather hang out regularly on his days off. His Sagarittus zodiac sign has made him a loving person to his peers and others.

After resting, Nunes hits the gym and gets in shape. Of course, keeping fit makes him one of the best players on the field.

In addition to that, the Brazilian midfielder loves to travel and chill by the ocean side. It is one of the ways to take a break from the sweat and pressure on the field.

The Central Midfielder loves to spend time on the oceanside. Image: Instagram/matheusnunes73.

The Central Midfielder loves to spend time on the oceanside. Image: Instagram/matheusnunes73.

Lifestyle:

Matheus has something in common with these footballers – Keith Nakamura, Youssef Chermiti and Gustav Isaksen. They all come from humble backgrounds and live a refreshingly humble lifestyle. Whenever you visit Matheus Nunes’ house, you will most likely see him playing with his dog, Nala.

The Midfielder's Dog, Nala, keeps him company. Source: Instagram/matheusnunes73,

The Midfielder’s Dog, Nala, keeps him company. Source: Instagram/matheusnunes73,

Hence, the player, like Rico Henry, is focused on pushing his career and making his family happy. However, we know Matheus Nunes’ car and house will be very plush and comfortable with what he is earning with Manchester City.

Matheus Nunes Family Life:

It is a great honour to acknowledge the presence of those who have been in his successful football journey. However, because the media is uncontrollable, some superstars choose privacy for their households.

That’s different for this talented playmaker. Matheus Nunes’s family has been the bedrock for his football journey. From the sacrifices his mother has made to that of his stepfather, we cannot praise them all enough.

The Nunes Family Always turns up for one of their own. Photo Credit: Instagram, matheusnunes73.

The Nunes Family Always turns up for one of their own. Photo Credit: Instagram, matheusnunes73.

So, in this section, we will further reveal a lot of information about every Matheus Nunes family member. With little time, let’s get on it.

About Matheus Nunes’ Biological Father:

According to an interview by the Suntimes, the Portuguese’s father left his family. Now, the reason why Matheus Nunes’s dad left his household of three children and his wife is kept private. Or, surprisingly, there could have been no cause for the abandonment.

Nonetheless, the departure of Matheus Nunes’s father greatly strained the house. His wife had to care for the kids alone and play the double-parent role. The children had to grow up without the love and care of their biological dad.

About Matheus Nunes’ Stepfather:

Mr Timo Nummelin was the man who got married to Matheus Nunes’s mother. After the family had gone through a series of heartbreaks from their father’s departure, however, he must have proven himself worthy of her love before Catia could have brought him home to her three children.

Timo Nummelin accepted and loved the children of his wife like his own. Photo Credit: Instagram, matheusnunes73.

Timo Nummelin accepted and loved the children of his wife like his own. Photo Credit: Instagram, matheusnunes73.

Matheus Nunes’ stepfather accepted not only their mother but also the children. The vacuum her first husband left was filled by the love this English man showed to the family. It took courage, intense and undying love and a big heart to move this household to another state of mind.

About Matheus Nunes Mother:

Catia Regina is the one who gave birth to the former Sporting CP midfielder. Words cannot explain how she held the family together when her husband left home. More or less, she had to heal and care for her children and their welfare.

Catia Regina singlehandedly cared for her son and her other kids alone. Source: Instagram, matheusnunes73

Catia Regina singlehandedly cared for her son and her other kids alone. Source: Instagram, matheusnunes73

For the time Matheus Nunes’ mother was single-handedly caring for her children, she must have been drained out. It is the same way Memphis Depay, Arturo Vidal and Cristiano Ronaldo’s mom must have felt as they care for their kids. It goes a long way to show the strength of a woman.

Today, with the man who loves her so much, Catia has found love in an English man’s arms. He accepted not only her but also her three kids. Nunes will never forget the pains and struggles his beloved mother went through for his sake.

About Matheus Nunes Sisters:

As per the studies from FactMandu, the Man City creative footballer has three sisters, however, the names of Nunes’ siblings have yet to be made public. But without a doubt, we know that they are the ones who fill his heart with love and joy.

Meet Matheus Nunes Siblings - his two sisters who occupy his heart. Image: Instagram/matheusnunes73.

Meet Matheus Nunes Siblings – his two sisters who occupy his heart. Image: Instagram/matheusnunes73.

There are several memories Matheus has with girls in the home. From the periods they couldn’t eat a decent meal to when the situation improved, all these are a part of their life story. Nonetheless, Nune’s sisters are the rocks and jewels in his life.

About Matheus Nunes Brother:

DailyMail reports that the Premier League midfielder has a younger brother. The duo both grew up playing socks as football when the item wasnt available. However, a post by Nunes suggests that the other boy in the family is no more.

Meet Matheus Nunes Brother, who is no more. Photo: Instagram, matheusnunes73.

Meet Matheus Nunes Brother, who is no more. Photo: Instagram, matheusnunes73.

Why is this just an assumption? We could be correct as only a little of Matheus Nunes’s brother is mentioned again. He may have chosen a different career from his sibling and wishes to live a private life. But then only the family has the correct information on this matter.

Untold Facts:

As we conclude the final part of Matheus Nunes’s Biography, we will reveal further details about the Portugal team midfielder. Without wasting much time, let’s get started.

Matheus Nunes Religion:

According to Hamariweb, Matheus is a Christian name that means the gift of God. And, of course, we know his Brazilian mother raised him in the Christian faith. However, until Nunes declares otherwise, there is no other religion we will associate him with except Christianity.

Matheus Nunes Salary:

As per the reports from Capology, the former Wolverhampton Wanderer earns a current sum of 85 thousand pounds weekly. As against his previous salary of just €8000 per week.

Accounts also show he makes more cash than Nelson Semedo and Daniel Podence. In contrast, some of the top earners in Sporting CP are Raul Jimenez and Joao Moutinho.

Matheus Nunes FIFA Profile:

In 2023, the Portuguese national athlete was ushered into the league of players with the potential of 86 and above. Some of the footballers (with their potential) are Arda Guler (86) and Romeo Lavia (86).

FIFA gives the athlete a potential of over 80 points.

FIFA gives the athlete a potential of over 80 points.

The above image shows that Nunes’ skills, mentality, defences and power portray clean stats. However, there is still room for improvement in the attacking areas.

EndNote:

Matheus Luiz Nunes was born on the 27th of August 1998 to his mother, Catia Regina and his father in Rio de Janeiro. However, reports show that Matheus Nunes’s father left the family.

Matheus Nunes’s mother and her four children, including the player, spent a significant part of their lives in Rio together. After his mom’s remarriage, his younger ones became five as his mom had two more kids.

Despite not growing up with a father, his mother’s remarriage brought a stepdad who replaced him. Timo Nummelin married his mom, Catia, and moved the family to Ericeira, Lisbon District, in Portugal.

It is important to note that it was Matheus Nunes’ mother who taught him to love football. And even when there was no ball, he made one after socks with his younger brother. The lad began his career journey in his new hometown in Ericeira by joining the local team.

Despite many rejections from big clubs, Nunes joined Sporting CP on his 20th birthday. It was indeed a perfect gift life gave to him. Before then, he worked in the family bakery as a salesman. And soon, because of his pitch prowess, the wicked midfielder made a history transfer to the Wolverhampton club.

So far, at the time of writing Matheus Nunes’ Life story, he doesn’t have a public relationship. Instead, all his love and attention are on his career and family.

If you enjoyed this memoir, that of Alejo Veliz and Darwin Nunes would be interesting. Let’s not forget the Portuguese Football Star Norberto Bercique, popularly known as Beto.

Appreciation:

We express our gratitude for your reading Matheus Nunes’ Biography. We are thrilled about your interest in our delivery of European football stories.

Matheus Nunes’s Bio is part of our men’s football collections. If you notice anything incorrect, kindly leave a comment. We value your continuous feedback on our articles, including that of Nunes, who signed for City in the 2023 summer transfer window (Skysports revealed).

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