Jesse Lingard is not the same player who once dazzled in the Premier League. But he still has a strong identity in football, and that attracts attention. The former England international, known for playing in the 2018 FIFA World Cup, is a familiar figure in homes from Manchester to Lagos. His move to São Paulo will draw attention to Brazilian football like never before.
More importantly, he will be the first English player to participate in the Brasileirão, which is South America’s most significant and well-supported league. Regardless of his on-field performance, this unique achievement will always be part of his legacy.
This transfer highlights the growing strength and ambition of the league. Lingard joins Corinthians, a team that includes notable players like Dutch striker Memphis Depay, who is set to play in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and Morocco’s Zakaria Labyad. The Corinthians recently won Brazil’s super cup against Flamengo.
The International Star Parade in the Brasileirão
The Brasileirão has a tradition of beautiful football, but it is also becoming increasingly global. While Brazilian clubs have successfully brought back stars like Neymar and Lucas Paquetá, they are also signing international talent.
Players like Yannick Bolasie from the DR Congo (Chapecoense), Denmark’s Martin Braithwaite (Grêmio), Spain’s Saúl Ñíguez (Flamengo), and Portugal’s Cédric Soares (São Paulo) are now part of the league. There’s also Jorginho, an Italian international born in Brazil, who plays for Flamengo. Each new signing showcases a trend that can’t be overlooked.
The Home of South American Talent
The presence of international players is just part of what makes the Brasileirão strong. The league’s real power lies in attracting top talent from across South America.
Lingard will soon see that the Brasileirão is a major force in the continent. Players from Argentina, Uruguay, Colombia, Paraguay, Ecuador, and Venezuela are not just occasional players; they play key roles at top clubs, often before moving to Europe.
Giorgian de Arrascaeta and Nicolás de la Cruz shine at Flamengo, while Colombian player Jhon Arias has returned to Palmeiras. Other notable players include Johan Carbonero at Internacional, Mateo Casierra at Atlético Mineiro, Kevin Viveros at Athletico Paranaense, and Marino Hinestroza at Vasco da Gama. Palmeiras has three players from Paraguay, including captain Gustavo Gómez, and Atlético Mineiro features three Ecuadorians, including Ángelo Preciado. Jefferson Savarino and Yeferson Soteldo represent Venezuela at Fluminense.
A third of all foreign players in the league are Argentine, including Flamengo goalkeeper Agustín Rossi and Santos forward Benjamín Rollheiser.
This trend exists because Brazilian clubs can offer better wages and conditions compared to their South American counterparts, particularly those in the Liga Argentina. The Brasileirão doesn’t just compete for talent; it secures it. This is partly why CONMEBOL is seeking to involve Liga MX and MLS in its tournaments for added financial stability and star appeal.
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