Matheus Cunha’s surfing celebration has proven to be extremely popular with Manchester United and Brazil supporters.
Manchester United fans were first treated to Matheus Cunha’s surfing celebration when he scored in the 3-2 win over Arsenal in the Premier League.
Cunha’s celebration immediately became a fan favourite, and it has since become his trademark reaction to scoring a goal.
In the 2026 World Cup, Cunha scored twice for Brazil in a 3-0 win over Haiti and he performed his celebration twice.
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Surfing champion responds to Matheus Cunha’s celebration
The background of Cunha’s celebration stems from his love of surfing, with the 26-year-old taking up the sport as a hobby.
Speaking to Brazilian outlet Globo, Matheus Cunha’s close friend and world surfing champion Italo Ferreira revealed that he made a promise to gift Cunha surfboards if he scored at the World Cup.
“I still owe him the surfboards, I already asked him for the measurements. The kid [Cunha] shone yesterday.
“He’s a guy who works really hard, has incredible talent, and deserves this success, all this recognition. I wish him the best of luck on this journey, and we’ll have a heat soon in the wave pool.”
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Matheus Cunha speaks on his love for surfing
After scoring twice for Brazil and surfing the waves in celebration, Cunha was asked about his love of surfing.
“I started surfing in Baia Formosa,” Cunha said.
“Surfing became a part of my life. One of my best friends is a surfer. I’m very good friends with Italo Ferreira. I think surfing is ingrained in my life.
“I think I spend more time watching surfing than football. I’m watching Saquarema pre-game right now.”
Cunha’s surfing celebration on the world stage also prompted reaction from the president of the World Surfing League in Latin America, Ivan Martinho.
“We were thrilled with Matheus Cunha’s performance for the Brazilian National Team in the World Cup and also with his surfer-style celebration.
“He really loves the sport, he’s friends with Italo Ferreira, and by scoring two goals for Brazil, he brought surfing to millions of people around the world through this gesture.”
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