Huu is He: Mateus Manso

One of the most interesting names you’ve probably not heard about is Mateus Manso. Born in Kuopio, Finland while his Father Marco was playing professional football, Mateus is a player to keep an eye on for the future. This is part one in my series of players who are eligible to play for the National Teams of Finland.

Full Name: Mateu Florencio Manso

Date of Birth: May 24 2004

Place of Birth: Kuopio, Finland

Citizenship: Brazil, Finland

Position: Attacking Midfielder

Foot: Left

Current Club: Sao Paulo FC U20

Contract Expiration: January 31st 2025

Standing 5 feet 11 inches tall, Manso has an athletic build, and combined with his lethal speed, allows him to be an effective attacking midfielder in the most effective ways possible. What stands out to me the most regarding Manso and his physicality is his ability to use his body to his advantage during 1v1 duals, and create more space in between him and his opponents, thus allowing for better attacking opportunities. In regards to SPFC and their Set Pieces, Manso has become somewhat of a Swiss Army Knife. When he hasn’t taken the set piece, he has become a key target for receiving them. His size and physicality have created space in the penalty box, allowing for Sao Paulo to convert more chances.

When watching Manso play, it is evident that he is a natural footballer. He is aware of what is happening around him, and how he might be able to impact the game. When he is in positions to help his team on the attacking front, he is able to break lines and move into open space, thus creating chances to score for his team. Manso is quite skilled when it comes to using his feet, and is capable of scoring goals with both his left and right foot.

Manso is a natural chance creator, and will be a great attacking midfielder for years to come. The role of the attacking midfielder requires adaptability and flexibility. When you are needed to create chances for forwards, you must be able to do so. When you are called upon to put the ball in the back of the net, you must do so as well. When it comes to fulfilling his role, Manso is quite good at it. When he looks to pass to teammates further up the pitch, he is capable of finding unique passing lanes for other players on his team to capitalize on. Mateus creates chances and dictates play for the Sao Paulo offense. When he is on the ball, the offensive unit flows around and through him, and he allows for space to be formed, to provide room for attack.

Manso plays with a sense of calmness and maturity that is necessary when it comes to being an attacking midfielder in high level football. He has always maintained composure and intense levels of professionalism in his play, which shows that he is more than capable to handle the intense demands of high level football.

As of Today (February 1st 2025) Manso’s contract with Sao Paulo FC has officially expired, and no official announcement has been made as to the future of his career. Sao Paulo recently excluded Manso from their team participating in the Copinha, so I would imagine that he is on his way out of the club. I think that Mateus is at the point in his career where being around first team footballers on a consistent basis would be incredibly beneficial for his development as a footballer. In regards to where Manso would best develop in the next stage of his career? In Brazil, I think that he could play regular first team football in Serie C. If there happened to be a side that saw interest in him and valued youth development, I could see it being a perfect fit for Manso’s next landing spot.

Due to the Brazilian National Team’s aversion to Brazilian players born outside of Brazil, I think that Manso would be a perfect fit for the national team of the country of his birth. Finland have a strong U-21 national team, having recently qualified for Euro U-21 2025 via a playoff spot. With many of these players being regular fringe players for the Finnish Senior National Team, Manso would be a great addition to this side. He would be an immediate contendor for the starting spot for the U21 national team, and would receive regular minutes for the Huuhkajat in the future. Finland would be a great place for Manso to develop, and to make his name known on the international stage.