One to Watch: Emersonn, Toulouse's game-changing Brazilian
When Emersonn Correia da Silva stepped onto the pitch at Groupama Stadium on Sunday evening, Toulouse were heading for a fourth defeat in five Ligue 1 McDonald's matches. Twenty minutes later, the 21-year-old Brazilian had completely changed the story — for himself, and for the TFC.
Introduced in the 71st minute, Emersonn struck twice in ten minutes to turn the match on its head and secure a 2-1 victory over Lyon — his first goals in Ligue 1 McDonald's, and his first-ever career brace. “I was nervous because I wanted to score,” he smiled afterwards. “In the end, I scored twice. It’s the best moment of my career.”
A historic impact off the bench
In doing so, Emersonn became the first Toulouse player to score twice as a substitute in Ligue 1 since Franck Tabanou in 2010. His equaliser came with a hint of fortune — a deflected cross looping over Lyon goalkeeper Dominik Greif — but his second was pure instinct, a towering header deep into added time that sealed a dramatic win.
“He attacks the box well, makes runs in behind, and hurts defences,” said his coach Carles Martínez Novell. “He still needs to work on his concentration, but in terms of attitude, he’s there. A match like this will be very important for him and for the team.”
A long road back
Toulouse signed Emersonn for just over €3 million late in the summer window, taking a chance on a player looking to relaunch his career after difficult spells in Brazil and Turkey. A former Athletico Paranaense forward, his progress was halted by a serious knee injury three years ago that sidelined him for almost an entire season.
His stint at Göztepe in the Turkish Super Lig yielded only two goals in six months, but in Toulouse he’s already matched that tally — a sign that confidence and rhythm are returning.
Language remains his biggest challenge. Emersonn speaks neither French, English nor Spanish, relying on gestures and football’s universal language to connect with teammates. Yet his commitment and energy have already made an impression in the dressing room.
“Ligue 1 is a very tactical league,” he explained. “There are lots of duels and the players are very technical — the control, the passing, everything is perfect.”
His goals? “Let’s say 10 for the season — we’ll see match by match if I can get there,” he smiled. As for his inspirations, his answer came quickly: “Cristiano Ronaldo… and Kylian Mbappé.”
With his game-changing cameo in Lyon, Toulouse’s €3 million gamble already looks like a winning bet — and Emersonn’s Ligue 1 McDonald's story is only just beginning.
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