Matheus Bonifácio Saldanha Marinho (born 19 August 1999), commonly known as Matheus Saldanha, is a Brazilian professional footballer who plays as a forward for Emirati club Sharjah, on loan from Al Wasl.
Born in Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Saldanha joined Bahia's youth setup in 2018, initially on loan from Audax. On 1 July 2019, after impressing with the under-20 side, he was bought outright and signed a permanent three-year contract.
Saldanha was promoted to the first team for the 2020 season, and made his senior debut on 22 January of that year by starting in a 1âÂÂ1 Campeonato Baiano away draw against Juazeirense. He scored his first senior goal on 9 February, netting his team's second in a 3âÂÂ1 away win against Jacobina.
Saldanha made his Série A on 12 August 2020, coming on as a second-half substitute for Rossi in a 1âÂÂ0 home win against Coritiba. His first goal in the category occurred on 16 September, as he scored his team's second in a 2âÂÂ3 away loss against Corinthians.
In 2021, Saldanha joined to J2 club, JEF United Chiba on loan transfer. One year later, he was announcement officially permanently transfer to JEF United Chiba has been confirmed after a season as loan player from EC Bahia.
In 2022, Saldanha loaned again to Chinese Super League club, Chengdu Rongcheng for during mid 2022 season. He leave from the club after a half season at Chengdu expiration contract.
He returned to JEF United Chiba for the 2023 season.
On 28 July 2023, Saldanha signed a four-year contract with Serbian club Partizan for a reported fee of â¬1.3 million. Just one day later, Saldanha scored a goal on his debut in a 3âÂÂ3 draw away at TSC. A week later, Saldanha scored his second goal in a 2âÂÂ0 win over Vojvodina. In the third qualifying round for the UEFA Europa Conference League, Saldanha scored one goal in the two-legged tie against Sabah. On 27 August, Saldanha scored his third SuperLiga goal in a 3âÂÂ1 win against Javor. In September and October, Saldanha continued his good form by scoring 6 goals and providing 3 assists. On 20 December 2023, Saldanha scored the winning goal in the 171st Eternal derby in a 2âÂÂ1 win against arch rivals Red Star. Saldanha scored against Red Star again at the Rajko MitiàStadium on 9 March 2024, as Red Star and Partizan drew 2âÂÂ2 in the 172nd Eternal derby. Saldanha finished the 2023âÂÂ24 Serbian SuperLiga having played 27 games and scored 17 goals, becoming its joint top scorer.
On 3 September 2024, he signed a contract with the Hungarian club Ferencváros. On 15 September 2024, he debuted with a goal in a 3âÂÂ0 victory against Budafoki MTE in the 2024âÂÂ25 Magyar Kupa. On 20 September 2024, he scored his first league goal in a 3âÂÂ1 victory against MTK Budapest at Hidegkuti Nándor Stadion in the 2024âÂÂ25 Nemzeti Bajnokság I.
On 29 September 2024, he scored a hat-trick against Puskás Akadémia FC in the 2024-25 Nemzeti Bajnokság I at the Groupama Arena.
On 11 July 2025, Saldanha signed to Emirati club Al Wasl.
On 1 February 2026, Saldanha signed to Emirati club Sharjah on loan.
Bahia
Ferencváros
Individual