São Paulo Lose a Rising Star as Matheus Alves Heads to CSKA Moscow

Matheus Alves is set to leave São Paulo for CSKA Moscow, becoming the latest academy product to make the leap to Europe. As reported by Arquibancada Tricolor, the 20-year-old midfielder will travel to Russia on Friday to finalize a deal worth €6 million, with São Paulo retaining 25% of any future sale profit.

Alves had been sidelined from first-team training following the June international break as talks progressed. A product of São Paulo’s youth ranks, he enjoyed a standout 2024 campaign—winning the Dallas Cup U-19 and Copa do Brasil U-20—and participated in the 2025 Copa São Paulo de Futebol Júnior.

He made his professional debut earlier this year during the Paulistão in a draw against Botafogo-SP and earned his first start in a narrow loss to RB Bragantino. Injuries in the first team later opened the door for more consistent playing time, leading to a contract extension through 2028 signed in March.

In total, Alves featured in 15 matches for São Paulo’s senior team in 2025, starting nine times and registering two assists across 705 minutes. The move marks a pivotal step in his career and a meaningful financial boost for São Paulo.