Brazilian football has always been a cradle for precocious talents — those players who emerge from youth academies and quickly draw attention with their maturity on the pitch. Ricardo Mathias da Silva, born on July 25, 2006, in Nova Iguaçu, Rio de Janeiro, is one of those names poised to make history. At just 19 years old, the young centre-forward already wears the number 49 shirt for Sport Club Internacional and has earned several call-ups to the Brazil U-20 national team. His imposing 1.92m frame, combined with refined technique, makes him a modern prototype of a striker: powerful in the box, quick in transitions, and lethal in front of goal. In this article, we explore Ricardo Mathias’ journey, from his first kicks on the streets of Nova Iguaçu to the European transfer rumors heating up in November 2025.
Humble Beginnings and First Contact with the Ball
Nova Iguaçu, a city in Rio’s Baixada Fluminense region known for its vibrant culture and love of football, was the initial stage for Ricardo Mathias’ dreams. The son of a modest family, he grew up on dirt pitches where the sport was more than recreation — it was escape and hope. From an early age, Ricardo showed an innate passion for the ball. By age 10, he was already playing in community pick-up games, impressing older players with his aerial dominance despite his young age.
The turning point came in 2021, when Ricardo joined the youth academy of Associação Ferroviária de Esportes, a traditional club from Araraquara in São Paulo’s interior. There, far from his family for the first time, he faced the challenge of adapting to a professionalized environment. Coaches from that period remember a disciplined boy hungry to learn. “He arrived early and left late, always asking for feedback,” recalled a former coach in a recent interview. At Ferroviária, Ricardo stood out as top scorer of the U-15 team, netting decisive goals in regional tournaments. His height — already over 1.80m as a teenager — was a natural weapon, but it was his tactical intelligence that set him apart: he wasn’t just brute force, but a finisher who read the game.
That intense yet brief spell lasted only one year. In 2022, just after turning 16, Ricardo received the invitation that would change his life: Internacional, the giant from Rio Grande do Sul looking to bolster its youth setup, signed him. The move to Porto Alegre represented a qualitative leap. Leaving behind the street games of Nova Iguaçu, he immersed himself in one of Brazil’s most renowned youth systems, the same one that produced names like Alisson Becker and Eduardo Sasha.
Rising Through Internacional’s Youth Ranks
At Beira-Rio, Ricardo Mathias found the perfect environment to flourish. Integrated into the U-17 team in 2022, he quickly became a key piece. His first year was one of adaptation, but the numbers speak for themselves: over 20 goals in youth competitions, helping Inter win the 2022 Gauchão U-17 title. Coaches praised his versatility: able to act as a target man for the midfielders or as a second striker exploiting space behind defenses.
2023 cemented his reputation. Called up to the Brazil U-17 team, Ricardo played in the South American Championship held in Ecuador. With five appearances and one goal, he contributed to Brazil’s unbeaten title. “That’s when I saw his potential for the senior level,” commented coach Ramon Menezes, who watched him closely. Back at the club, Ricardo moved up to the U-20s, where he continued as top scorer. His physical presence — now 1.92m — combined with surprising speed for his size drew comparisons to Haaland, though he prefers to cite Brazilian idols like Ronaldo Fenômeno as inspiration.
In 2024, the transition to the first team began to take shape. Ricardo alternated between the U-20s and training sessions with the senior squad under Eduardo Coudet. His U-20 numbers were impressive: 23 games and five goals. A contract renewal in October 2024, extending his deal until 2028, was a clear vote of confidence from the club. “Ricardo is the future of our attack,” declared club president Alessandro Barcellos at the time.
Professional Debut and First Goals for Inter
Ricardo Mathias’ senior debut came on August 11, 2024, in a 2-2 draw against Athletico Paranaense at Beira-Rio. Coming on for Rômulo in the 70th minute, he injected energy into the attack and nearly scored with a header that skimmed the post. It was a baptism of fire: playing under pressure in front of over 40,000 fans, Ricardo displayed composure beyond his years.
His first professional goal arrived on October 5, 2024, in a thrilling match against Corinthians at Neo Química Arena. Entering in the second half, he equalized in stoppage time with a precise long-range shot that beat goalkeeper Cássio. The final 2-2 was celebrated as a moral victory by Inter, and Ricardo’s goal went viral, racking up over a million views in hours. “That moment changed me. I felt I belonged there,” he told Globo Esporte.
In the 2025 Copa Libertadores, Ricardo shone brighter. In May, he scored his first continental goal against Uruguay’s Nacional, securing a 2-0 win. Three days later, he netted again against Mirassol in a 1-1 draw. Those strikes put him on the radar of international scouts, but it was in Série A where he established himself. By August 2025, he had 22 appearances and five goals for Inter, starting in key matches.
2025 Season Performance: Numbers and Highlights
The 2025 season has been one of consolidation for Ricardo Mathias. With 18 Série A appearances, he has four goals and zero assists — modest but promising figures for a 19-year-old. His xG of 3.26 in his first 13 league games shows finishing efficiency, with 13 shots on target. In continental play, his Libertadores goal adds to a season total of five.
One highlight was the 2025 South American U-20 Championship in February, where Brazil claimed the title. Ricardo scored the decisive goal in the final against Argentina in the 88th minute — a thunderous header that sealed a 3-2 victory. “That trophy motivates me every day,” he said afterward. At Inter, his partnership with strikers like Enner Valencia has developed, with Ricardo serving as the focal point in the box.
Today, November 25, 2025, Ricardo came off the bench in the 1-1 draw against Santos in Série A. Replacing Braian Aguirre in the second half, he pressured the Santos defense and nearly scored in a one-two with Bruno Henrique. It was his 30th senior appearance, underlining his growing importance under coach Ramón Díaz.
Playing Style: Strength, Technique, and Areas for Improvement
Ricardo Mathias is what analysts call a “technical target man.” With his height, he dominates aerial duels, using his chest to control long balls and lay off for teammates. His surprising speed for his build allows him to burst in behind defenses. A natural finisher, he is two-footed, comfortable with laces, instep shots, or headers, and excels in one-on-one situations or from crosses.
Strengths include off-the-ball movement, intelligently exploiting gaps, and hold-up play that pins center-backs and creates space. However, there are areas for growth: his physical presence is still inconsistent, allowing defenders to unbalance him in duels. Passing needs refinement, with frequent turnovers in short link-up play, and his first touch can falter under pressure. In the box, he can be predictable, drifting toward the near post. Defensively, his pressing intensity varies, which may limit him in high-pressing systems.
Scouting reports, such as Target Scouting’s September 2025 assessment, recommend one or two more seasons at Inter for physical maturation before a European move. “He has the complete package, but needs polishing,” the scout summarized.
Transfer Rumors: Europe Comes Knocking
With a contract running until 2028, Ricardo Mathias is in no rush, but European interest is mounting. In August, Saudi club Al Nassr made inquiries, while Manchester United sent scouts to a match against Fluminense. More recently, in November 2025, Belgium’s Anderlecht is reportedly preparing an offer above €10 million, according to Belgian sources. Clubs like Porto, Braga, Lazio, and Lecce are also monitoring, seeing him as an affordable investment — his Transfermarkt market value is estimated at €12.8 million.
Internacional, aware of his potential, is resisting low offers and prioritizing development. “We want him to grow here,” said coach Díaz after today’s match. For Ricardo, an early exit could be risky, but the European dream looms large.
The Future of a Rising Talent
Ricardo Mathias embodies the best of Brazilian football: grit, skill, and game vision. From Nova Iguaçu to Beira-Rio, his journey is inspiring, and his U-20 titles only reinforce his trajectory. With improvements in strength and consistency, he can become the number 9 Inter dreams of — or shine in bigger leagues. In a 2025 season of consolidation, with Libertadores goals and national team call-ups, Ricardo proves age is just a number. Colorado fans — and football as a whole — eagerly await the next chapters of this story.
