Matheus Donelli debuts for Shabab Al Ahli after five months, saves penalty in 2-1 win | OneFootball

On-loan Corinthians goalkeeper Matheus Donelli finally made his Shabab Al Ahli bow on Tuesday, starring in a 2-1 friendly win over Udinese with a first-half penalty save.

He has been at the United Arab Emirates club since 6 February and, despite no minutes, his initial loan to 30 June was extended to year-end. According to Central do Timão, a permanent move at the end of this new spell is not ruled out. He is contracted to Corinthians until 31 December 2028.

Picked by André Jardine, Donelli started and quickly seized the spotlight. At 27 minutes he dived left to save a penalty, then blocked the rebound. He conceded after the break but helped secure the victory.

Donelli is working to obtain UAE citizenship, essential to register and play officially because rules bar foreign goalkeepers. The process requires a passport and documentation, and is being managed by his representatives with club officials during the renewed loan.

Progress has been shaped by external factors. Ramadan in February reduced hours at public agencies in the UAE. Regional instability disrupted the AFC calendar, with postponements and some leagues paused, and Shabab Al Ahli had fixtures moved.

Even so, the club finished runners-up in the domestic league, 10 points behind Al-Ain, and qualified for the 2026/27 Asian Champions League.

A Corinthians academy product, Donelli had slipped to fourth choice behind Hugo Souza, Kauê and Felipe Longo. His last matchday inclusion for Corinthians was the 1-0 win over Vitória in October 2025 in the Brasileiro.

Source: Meu Timao