Making history and facing Neymar - Lingard on life in Brazil

Jesse Lingard has become the first English player to compete in Brazil’s top football division after joining Corinthians. The 33-year-old former Manchester United forward scored his first goal in the Copa do Brasil shortly after his arrival and is embracing the challenge of playing in a new environment. Lingard made his debut at the iconic Maracanã Stadium against Fluminense and is motivated by the ambition to win trophies with the historic Brazilian club. His move, initially met with surprise by local pundits, was influenced by former United teammate Memphis Depay, who helped him settle into life in Brazil. Lingard’s early days at Corinthians have been marked by both excitement and challenges. The club experienced a managerial change after an eight-match winless streak, with Dorival Junior replaced by former Brazil interim coach Fernando Diniz, under whom Corinthians have since won two Libertadores matches. Lingard has encountered the passionate nature of Corinthians’ fanbase firsthand, with supporters frequently visiting training sessions to show their support and demand strong performances. He acknowledges the intense scrutiny players face when results fall short, highlighting the pressure of playing for a club with such fervent followers. Adapting to life in Brazil has also involved overcoming language barriers. Unlike his time in South Korea, where he had a translator, Lingard is navigating Portuguese largely on his own, though he is eager to learn and has already picked up basic phrases. This linguistic effort reflects his commitment to integrating fully into the team and culture. Lingard’s contract with Corinthians runs until the end of the year, and he remains closely connected to his former club, Manchester United, reflecting on his time there as an important chapter in his career. Lingard’s move to Brazil represents a unique step in his professional journey, highlighting his willingness to embrace new challenges and environments late in his career. His presence in the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A not only breaks new ground for English players but also underscores the global nature of football careers today.