Matheus Cunha Responds to Ronaldo’s World Cup Endorsement: ‘My Idol, I’m Speechless With Pride’

Manchester United striker Matheus Cunha has responded with heartfelt emotion after receiving a public endorsement from Ronaldo, the Brazilian icon widely regarded as one of the greatest forwards in football history.

The tribute came following Brazil’s commanding 3-0 victory over Scotland on Wednesday, a result that secured the Seleção’s progression to the knockout stages of the 2026 World Cup. Ronaldo, a three-time FIFA World Player of the Year, took to social media to post a split image — one frame showing himself celebrating during the 2002 World Cup final, the other capturing Cunha’s goal celebration against Scotland. His caption read: “The last time a nine celebrated like this, you know what happened.”

The reference carried significant weight. Ronaldo’s display in the 2002 final — where he scored twice as Brazil defeated Germany 2-0 — remains one of the most celebrated individual performances in World Cup history. By drawing a parallel with Cunha’s current form, the former Internazionale and Real Madrid striker offered an endorsement few players could anticipate from their childhood idol.

Cunha, who wears the iconic No. 9 jersey for Brazil under manager Carlo Ancelotti, responded directly to Ronaldo’s post. “My idol! I’m speechless with pride,” Cunha wrote. He followed the tribute with a characteristically humble nod to the shirt number itself: “She’ll always be yours. And if you want to drop by to help out – I just wanted to take a look at something…”

The 27-year-old’s emergence as a key figure at this tournament has been one of the more gradual storylines of Brazil’s campaign. Cunha began the 2026 World Cup as a substitute in the opening group stage match against Morocco, but has since established himself as central to Ancelotti’s attacking plans. A double against Haiti was followed by his decisive contribution against Scotland, with his performances collectively helping Brazil secure a place in the knockout rounds.

Cunha’s rise to this level of visibility at a World Cup represents a notable trajectory. He completed a transfer to Manchester United from Wolverhampton Wanderers last summer, a move that elevated his profile significantly in European football. His displays at Old Trafford earned widespread praise ahead of the tournament, but recognition from Ronaldo — known in Brazil as ‘O Fenomeno’ to distinguish him from Cristiano Ronaldo — carries a distinct cultural and historical resonance for any Brazilian player wearing the number nine.

The broader context of Cunha’s World Cup role is also worth noting. Under Ancelotti, who took charge of the Brazilian national team in January 2024, Brazil arrived at this tournament with expectations of ending a 24-year wait for a World Cup title — their last triumph coming in 2002, the very edition Ronaldo referenced in his post. With the knockout stages now approaching, Cunha’s continued form will be central to whether that ambition can be realised.