Matheus Gonçalves defends Vasco, rebukes influencer in TikTok live | OneFootball

Al-Ahli forward Matheus Gonçalves publicly defended Vasco during a TikTok live, cutting off influencer Juninho Manella after he called his near switch to São Januário this year impossible.

According to PaponaColina, the creator had played down the weight of the Rio club’s shirt to chase quick engagement, prompting a sharp response in which Gonçalves told him to stop talking rubbish and insisted every Brazilian team deserves respect.

Vasco pursued a loan for the winger in the mid-2026 window to bolster their frontline. Gonçalves prioritised playing at São Januário, even turning down a more lucrative offer from Botafogo, but Al-Ahli blocked a temporary exit because of the heavy investment made to sign him in 2025.

With the Saudi club refusing to release him, Vasco switched targets and signed midfielder Santiago Sosa, and attackers Facundo Colidio, Alan Lescano and Bruno Duarte. The new arrivals quickly delivered under head coach Pedro Emanuel, adding structure and vital goals.

Gonçalves’s stance drew strong approval from Vasco supporters, who applauded his respect for the club’s history. Manella backed down during the broadcast, while the Rio side continue training for upcoming cup knockout ties.

Source: PaponaColina

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