The Puskas winner nobody talks about
In January 2024, Guilherme Madruga stood on a FIFA stage and accepted the Puskas Award for the best goal of the year. His bicycle kick from outside the box for Botafogo-SP against Novorizontino beat goals from Evanilson and Sophie Roman Haug. It was a moment that should have catapulted him into a top European league.
Instead, Madruga took a different path. He moved to Shandong Luneng in the Chinese Super League. And while the spotlight moved on, his performances quietly reached an elite level. The skouted.ai engine rates him at 75 OVR with a UV score of 99. That means he is performing at a level far above what his market value suggests.
Why the numbers scream bargain
Madruga’s market value sits at EUR490K to EUR800K. For a 25-year-old central midfielder with a 75 OVR, that is remarkably cheap. Compare it to players with similar ratings in top-five European leagues who command fees in the EUR8M to EUR15M range. The gap is enormous.
The skouted.ai deal score of 84 confirms what the UV score indicates: this is a player available at a steep discount. His contract expires in 4 months, meaning clubs can negotiate a pre-contract agreement in January or sign him on a free transfer next summer.
UV score of 99 signals significant undervaluation. Contract expiring in 4 months. Available at a discount.
The tactical profile
Madruga is a box-to-box midfielder with exceptional technique. His Puskas-winning goal was not a fluke. It was the product of a player who trains bicycle kicks and has the athletic ability to execute them in competitive matches. In the Chinese Super League, he has developed the physical and tactical side of his game, learning to dominate matches against experienced professionals.
At 25, he is entering his prime years. A move to a mid-table La Liga or Serie A club would represent excellent business. He has the technical quality for European football and the physical resilience built up over years in Brazil and China.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| OVR | 75 |
| UV Score | 99 |
| Deal Score | 84 |
| Market Value | EUR490K - EUR800K |
| Position | CM |
| Nationality | Brazil |
| Age | 25 |
| League | Chinese Super League |
The opportunity
Chinese Super League contracts are notoriously difficult to maintain due to salary regulations and club financial situations. Madruga’s deal running down creates a perfect storm for European clubs looking for a bargain. A player with his technical ability, Puskas pedigree, and 75 OVR rating should not be available for under EUR1M.
The clubs that move first will get a midfielder who can contribute immediately in a top-10 European league. Brazilian midfielders with proven technique and physicality remain some of the most reliable transfers in football. Madruga fits the profile perfectly.
View full profile and AI-powered transfer intelligence at skouted.ai