Jesse Lingard Becomes First English Player in Brazil’s Top Flight

Jesse Lingard has begun another unexpected chapter in his career after joining Corinthians on a one-year contract in March 2026, with the former Manchester United midfielder becoming the first English player to appear in Brazil’s top division.

Lingard at Corinthians: key facts

The Warrington-born player had been without a club after ending his spell with FC Seoul, where he spent 22 months and became one of the major attractions in Asian football. His move to South Korea followed his release by Nottingham Forest and an earlier period as a free agent.

At Corinthians, Lingard has linked up with former Manchester United forward Memphis Depay while adapting to a new language, culture and competition. His early presence in Brazilian football has been viewed positively, but he has also been warned that the demands around one of the country’s biggest clubs will be unforgiving.

Anderson believes Corinthians made the right decision in bringing Lingard to Brazil, describing him as an outstanding character with the personality to enjoy the country’s football culture. He first saw Lingard as a teenager and said the midfielder had always combined ability with a warm and entertaining manner.

However, Anderson stressed that the intense relationship between Brazilian supporters and their clubs leaves little room for poor performances. In his view, players at major sides can receive total support when results are good, but can become targets for severe criticism when standards slip, with abuse sometimes extending to relatives.

He said Corinthians could be especially demanding: success would bring a positive reception, while a difficult run could lead supporters to confront the player or damage property. Even so, Anderson expects Lingard to make a strong impression and believes the challenge can be valuable for him.

The wider backdrop is a difficult one for many Brazilian clubs. Anderson said Flamengo and Palmeiras were in stronger financial positions, but argued that much of the rest of the domestic game was carrying substantial debt. He also linked Brazil’s recent struggles at international level to the rapid sale of young talent, with players often leaving the country at 15, 16 or 17.

Brazil still has elite individuals, he said, pointing to Vinicius Junior at Real Madrid, Raphinha, Matheus Cunha in Manchester and Bruno Guimaraes at Arsenal. With Carlo Ancelotti in charge, he believes the squad appears among the strongest on paper, although he said the team must still prove it can function effectively as a collective.

For Lingard, the immediate task is clear. His short-term deal means he must satisfy both Corinthians’ coaching staff and a famously demanding fanbase if he is to secure an extension. Having already embraced life outside England in South Korea, he now faces an even more intense test in São Paulo.