The 2022 Campeonato Carioca final was an important match for Fluminense. The club had failed to win a single trophy since 2016, and then manager Abel Braga was desperate for the trophy. In the end, they won the match 2-0, but amid all the glory and celebrations, there was one player that would become integral to their team. 21-year-old Matheus Martinelli was an unused substitute that day but has now established himself in the centre of the midfield.
The 21-year-old is among the top young players to emerge in the Brazilian league. And while the media may be more fascinated by talented 17-year-olds such as Endrick Felipe of Palmeiras and Vitor Roque of Athletico Paranaense, Matheus Martinelli is slowly and quietly becoming a force to reckon with.
And while Fluminense may only be fifth in the Brazilian league, they are only three points shy of third place. Only once in the last eight years have Fluminense finished in the top five, which makes this one of their most successful seasons in recent times. And Matheus Martinelli has played a massive part in it as the orchestrator-in-chief.
New manager Fernando Diniz has made him the base of the midfield in his 4-2-3-1 formation. So, who is Matheus Martinelli, and how good is he?
How good is Matheus Martinelli?
Born in Presidente Prudente, Sao Paulo, Brazil, Matheus Martinelli started his career at the local club Marília Atletico Clube. He joined the club at the age of 12. Over the next two years, Martinelli would change clubs twice. First, he joined Osvaldo Cruz Futebol Clube in 2013, leaving after one year to join Gremio Desportivo Prudente.
He was making rapid strides in promoting himself through various age groups all this time. This did not escape the attention of some of Brazil’s top clubs. Fluminense would move ahead of the pack and snap the youngster. Arriving at the Rio club, Matheus Martinelli would play under various age groups. However, his journey started with the under-17s. There he would share the pitch with Joao Pedro, who now plays for Watford, Kayky, who has joined Manchester City and Fluminense first-team players Marcos Paulo, Calegari and Luiz Henrique.
Matheus Martinelli, 21, is a CM for Fluminense in Brazil. He’s recently become a starter alongside André in Diniz’ possession-heavy 4-2-3-1. A very dynamic player who’s become a top performer in Brazil since August. Many European clubs should be looking at him,
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