Meetings with Mourinho, Shadowing Ancelotti, and a Bundesliga Roadtrip: How Matheus is Ready and Primed for Management In South Korea
In the world of football, there are moments that become etched in our memories, forever revered for their brilliance and significance. Two such moments belongs to one man: ‘Magic’ Matheus (de Carlos Ribeiro), the Brazilian maestro.
One came during the 2004 UEFA Champions League final between Porto and AS Monaco. Porto were one goal to the good. AS Monaco were building pressure in the second half, seeking an equaliser. With the match hung in the balance, Matheus, just 19-years-old, showcased his vision and precision with a remarkable threaded ball from the edge of his own box — through the lines of the French midfield and defence. It landed perfectly in front of the run of Deco, who scored Porto’s second and set them up to triumph on that unforgettable night at the Gelsenkirchen.
A decade later — but the same occasion. Matheus, adorning the iconic white jersey of Real Madrid, seconds away from losing the Champions League final to their city rivals Atletico Madrid. With tensions high and the clock ticking down, the stage was set for Matheus to once again showcase his brilliance. A corner, expertly whipped into the box with pinpoint precision. Among the sea of bodies, there emerged Sergio Ramos, meeting the ball with a thunderous header that reverberated through the stadium.
“I cherish those moments,” Matheus says, his voice carrying a mix of nostalgia and determination. “They are etched deep within me, serving as reminders of the immense joy and responsibility that come with playing this beautiful game. That precise through-ball, the electrifying header — they symbolise the pure joy and freedom that football can create.”
A global journey
His reflection upon those pivotal moments, amongst many others that span a 24-year career in professional football, came in front of a packed press room at Matheus’ unveiling as the new manager of FC Seoul in the K-League, the club where he ended his playing days. Now at the age of 40, Matheus has stepped back into the footballing world, following his retirement three years ago. Sharply-dressed and cool as ever, he exuded an air of wisdom and experience, his eyes reflecting the journey that brought him to this pivotal moment in his career.
At the tender age of 16, Matheus embarked on his footballing odyssey, joining Porto’s esteemed youth team. Under the guidance of renowned coaches, he honed his skills and developed into a prodigious attacking midfielder. It didn’t take long for him to be brought into the first-team, and with each subsequent passing season, Matheus’s influence grew within the Porto squad. His mesmerising dribbling, impeccable vision, and ability to unlock defences became the talk of the town. He became the heartbeat of the team, orchestrating their attacking play and delivering crucial goals and assists in high-stakes matches.
“His performance tonight was a testament to his exceptional qualities as a player,” said Jose Mourinho in the immediate aftermath of their Champions League victory. “He is a gem in the world of football, a maestro. He […] has etched his name in the history books of Porto and will forever be remembered as a player who turned dreams into reality.”
In 2011, Matheus embarked on a new adventure as he secured a move to Real Madrid, linking up once-again with Jose Mourinho. The Bernabeu faithful embraced Matheus, and he quickly established himself as a key figure in their star-studded squad. During his time at Real Madrid, he added further silverware to his illustrious collection: La Liga, a Copa del Rey and that memorable UEFA Champions League triumph in Lisbon. “Matheus has an innate understanding of the tactical nuances and seamlessly adapts to any situation on the field,” said Carlo Ancelotti in December 2014, after his Real Madrid side won their first ever Club World Cup in Morocco. “His contributions have been instrumental in our success.”
However, Matheus’s heart never strayed far from Porto, the place where his footballing journey began. In 2014, he made the decision to return to his beloved club, bringing his wealth of experience and leadership back to the Estadio do Dragao. The reunion was marked by renewed success, with Matheus once again spearheading Porto’s charge to domestic glory, contributing with his creative brilliance and exemplary performances.
As his playing days drew to a close, Matheus made the bold move to Asia: FC Seoul, a club with a storied history but enduring a difficult period. Where Seoul felt hope and a sense of renewed purpose, Matheus saw genuine challenge — as he aimed to impart his wisdom and guidance to the team. He left, trophyless, but having left a lasting impact on Korean football — and Korea in turn, on Matheus. “Here is family,” he said upon his retirement in 2020. “I have been fortunate to work alongside incredible teammates and dedicated staff who have become lifelong friends. This club, and this city, has become a part of me, ingrained in my heart and soul.”
“The makings of a top-class manager”
After retiring, Matheus reconnected with his previous mentors: Mourinho in Rome, Ancelotti who was back in Madrid once more, to understand in further depth the processes that go hand-in-hand with managerial success. There was even a brief spell spent in and around Germany: shadowing sessions at Wolfsburg, SC Freiburg and Union Berlin, where Matheus was especially captivated by their underdog spirit and fanbase. “My visit has reaffirmed my belief in the power of unity, resilience, and a strong connection with the local community,” he told Bild in August 2022. “I am grateful for the warm welcome and the valuable insights gained during my time in Germany.”
André Villas-Boas, a manager with whom Matheus lifted a UEFA Europa League title at Porto, also spent time with Matheus. Reflecting on their collaboration, Villas-Boas stated, “Matheus was always a player with an extraordinary understanding of the game. His ability to analyse situations and make intelligent decisions on the pitch was exceptional. Now, as he delves into the world of coaching, I have no doubt that he will bring the same level of dedication and tactical insight to his new role. Matheus has the makings of a top-class manager, and I am excited to see him make a significant impact in the realm of football coaching.”
On paper, Matheus has everything he needs to become the next-big-thing in management. But his first endeavour is one steeped in difficulty. FC Seoul is a club with a rich heritage and passionate fanbase, but they haven’t won the K-League since 2016. The AFC Champions League is another ambition for the club, who have fallen short in two finals. The team also needs a thorough tactical overhaul, with the possession-heavy approach of recent years creating disillusionment and an underwhelming end product. (They finished 16th in the world last season, for most passes attempted per game, but finished ninth in the league.)
Ultimately, Matheus’s challenge at FC Seoul is not just about reviving the club’s fortunes on the pitch, but also about reigniting the sense of pride and identity that accompanies wearing the Seoul colours. It is a challenge that requires a blend of tactical acumen, man-management skills, and an unwavering belief in his own abilities as a manager. As he steps into this role, Matheus must draw upon his wealth of experience, his learnings from esteemed mentors, to create a new era of modern Matheus magic.
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