Mattheus Oliveira, son of Brazilian football legend Bebeto, is carving his own path in the UAE Pro League. The 30-year-old midfielder recently joined Al-Nasr after a spell with Khor Fakkan, where he impressed with his creative play and attacking contributions.
Mattheus’s Move to the UAE
Mattheus’s decision to move to the UAE was influenced by his brother-in-law, Carlos Eduardo, who had a successful career in the Saudi Pro League. After consulting with Eduardo and his family, Mattheus decided to embark on a new challenge in the Middle East.
“It is completely new for me but I’m liking the football here so far,” Mattheus said to Arab News. “It’s difficult with the heat but I am enjoying how different it is and the people are very warm here in the UAE.”
Bebeto’s Influence
Mattheus also sought advice from his father, Bebeto, a Brazilian football icon who played for Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia towards the end of his career. Bebeto’s experience in the region provided valuable insights for Mattheus as he adapted to his new surroundings.
“I can really remember him playing at Al-Ittihad, it was the last six months of his career,” Mattheus recalled. “It’s funny now that I’m back here in the region.”
Early Career and Comparisons
Mattheus began his career at Flamengo in Brazil, where he faced the challenge of living up to the expectations that came with being Bebeto’s son. He eventually moved to Portugal to escape the comparisons and forge his own path in football.
“In Brazil it was very difficult to be his son because he’s a legend of the game there,” Mattheus said. “They were comparing me the whole time and you hear people saying ‘you are only here at Flamengo and you are only going to the national team because you are Bebeto’s son.'”
A New Chapter at Al-Nasr
Mattheus’s impressive performances for Khor Fakkan earned him a move to Al-Nasr, where he will be hoping to help the club secure a top-three finish and a place in next season’s AFC Champions League.
Despite the challenges of playing in a new environment, Mattheus is relishing the opportunity to showcase his talent and contribute to Al-Nasr’s success. With the guidance and support of his legendary father, he is determined to make his own mark in the world of football.
Discover more from
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
