Fagner, the veteran right-back who has spent 11 significant years at Corinthians, has officially joined Cruzeiro on loan for the 2025 season. The announcement was made on Friday, marking the end of Fagner's long tenure with the club where he was raised, returning to the professional ranks at just 9 years old.
The move has significant implications both for the player and Corinthians. According to reports, Cruzeiro will cover 55% of Fagner's wages, with Corinthians bearing the remaining 45%. Fagner's gratitude was evident as he took to social media to express his appreciation for the club and its fans. "Arriving at 9 years old and experiencing everything I lived was very special," he wrote, reflecting on his time filled with titles, victories, and memories.
During his time at Corinthians, Fagner achieved notable successes, winning the Brasileirão twice (in 2015 and 2017) and the Paulistão three times (2017, 2018, 2019). His departure has been attributed to both financial and performance-related reasons; his salary was deemed high for someone whose playing time diminished over the past season. He played 42 matches last year, which was fewer than his teammate Matheuzinho, who became the regular starter.
Interestingly, Fagner’s exit from Corinthians wasn't without controversy. Following the announcement, Neto, a former player and now commentator, publicly criticized the club's decision to renew Fagner's contract just prior to his transfer, stating the contract was unwise for someone who lost his starting position. Neto remarked on Fagner's history with the club but concluded, "he is not an idol" and emphasized the club's need to find new talent to fill the right-back position.
Fagner’s history with Corinthians is extensive; he first joined the youth setup and went on to become one of the club's most enduring players, appearing 578 times—ranking him seventh on the all-time list for games played at Corinthians. His performances helped shape the club's recent success, and the loss of such an experienced player raises questions about the team's leadership and future direction, particularly after other veterans like Cássio and Paulinho also left.
Corinthians has not yet made any formal comment on Fagner's transfer, but the Committee of Justice within the club has requested detailed documentation relating to the terms of the loan deal from Cruzeiro. This request aims to clarify how the club managed the financial aspects of the transfer and what negotiations took place to secure favorable conditions.
Fagner’s time with the Timão was characterized by passionate play and dedication, contributing to his strong connection with the fans. His farewell message emphasized his pride: "Being the seventh player with the most matches at one of the biggest clubs in the world makes me very proud!" He expressed his desire to embrace new experiences but maintained his gratitude for the years spent at Corinthians.
Looking forward, the question remains: how will Corinthians replace the experience and leadership Fagner provided? The club is expected to identify new talent to take on the right-back position as they navigate the aftermath of this significant transfer.
Fagner’s story at Corinthians is not just about numbers and titles; it’s about the emotional legacy he leaves behind. His involvement with the Brazilian national team at various youth levels and significant tournaments adds to the narrative of his footballing career. His switch to Cruzeiro marks the beginning of another chapter, both for him personally and for Corinthians as they reformulate their squad moving forward.
The departure of such a seasoned player opens the floodgates for younger talents from the academy to step up, as Corinthians looks to the future with fresh eyes. The club's management will need to focus not only on immediate performance but also on investing in the next generation to uphold the proud tradition of excellence associated with the Corinthians name.