Corinthians Futsal coach on LNF changes, new squad signings

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Central do Timão

·27 February 2026

Corinthians Futsal coach on LNF changes, new squad signings

By Fabio Luigi / Central do Timão Editorial Team

Last Tuesday (24), the Corinthians futsal squad for the 2026 season was presented in the press room at Neo Química Arena. In the previous season, the Alvinegro won two titles (São Paulo Cup and Mucho Más International Tournament) and finished as runners-up in three competitions (Supercopa Gramado, National Futsal League, and Paulista Championship).

For 2026, the club from Parque São Jorge, aiming to reduce expenses in the terrestrial sports department due to its severe financial crisis, has restructured its squad and, initially, will prioritize the use of athletes coming from its youth academy. So far, only two players have been signed: winger Kevin William, 23 years old, and pivot Fabinho, 37. The two were previously at Ferroviária Pinda and Praia Clube, respectively.

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Photo: Beto Miller/Agência Corinthians

At the turn of the year, the following players left the Corinthians futsal team: defender Marlon, wingers Luisinho, Luizinho Brizzi, Edimar, and Igor Carioca, as well as pivots Deives (retirement) and Israel Neto. Regarding the players who had been playing in the youth categories, the following are no longer part of the club: Hélio Neves, Iván Monteros, Mineiro, Axel Muñoz, Andrey, and Yann.

In a press conference, coach Fernando Malafaia commented on the squad overhaul compared to last year, the use of players promoted from the youth academy, the role of more experienced players in welcoming the younger ones, changes in the number of teams in the National League, and an analysis of 2025.

Check out Fernando Malafaia's answers from the press conference below:

First weeks of work, squad changes, use of academy players, and the club's financial situation

“In reality, we are working within the club’s current financial scope and requirements. To tell you that we need one or two reinforcements is the truth. But that doesn’t bother me. I am very satisfied with what we have found in these first three weeks of work. Regarding the two new players, I am absolutely certain that they will represent Corinthians with dignity, just like the young talents who have come up from the youth academy, who have done good work throughout their careers, and those who have stayed. I am absolutely sure the mix will be good. Once again, we are rebuilding. From 2024 to 2025, we rebuilt and succeeded in our collective work. Was something missing? A little bit, yes. But I am absolutely sure the road will be well paved this time as well.”

“This, in reality, is an extension of what is done within Corinthians. Corinthians should be a reference for everything that happens within the institution. Now, what we breathe is sport. And there are, without a doubt, good professionals who make this happen. And this is the connection we are trying to strengthen, not just me, of course, but the whole staff, so that we have much greater harmony, a much better understanding regarding what is being done in the youth categories, in the U-16, U-18, U-20. Strengthening what is our raw material, which are the athletes developed within Corinthians, who absolutely understand what it is to be Corinthians, what it is to live Corinthians. I am very pleased to be part of this mechanism and to be able to use several players who will come up from the youth academy.”

Day-to-day relationship between the more experienced and younger members of the Corinthians group

“For me, the biggest challenge is the experienced players. It’s not that they should welcome the younger ones in a way that’s different from how we, who are educated, would. It’s about giving the new athletes more information, giving them the opportunity to be heard. And I’ll be very honest with you, this group has shown me a lot. Day to day, I’ve noticed they are together, they call the younger ones’ attention, and the younger ones don’t hesitate to speak up, so the first step has been taken. Now, at the moment, in the game, on the 40 by 20, and in daily preparation, they need to understand that they are on the same journey as the older ones.”

“It’s not because someone is older that they’ll have any preference or a different situation. Everyone will be treated the same. But I am very happy with what each is providing for the other. Even those who have been here longer are offering to the newcomers, so that we have exactly the union of strengths. So it’s really cool. The chemistry, the first chemistry, is this. From there, the chemistry is the competitive level and the ability to interact with the game and its demands.”

Analysis of the 2025 season

“The season was really nice and, at the same time, when you reach all the finals, it’s clear that the wear and tear is very great. And we had great wisdom from the departments that lead this path. I didn’t think we arrived worn out. The last game of the year was on December 13, the final against Jaraguá. If you look back, look at the road that was built, because we reached all the finals. Therefore, we had many more games than those who didn’t make it. I think we reached as far as it was possible to go.”

Projection for 2026

“I think it’s a good season and there’s huge appreciation for the championship. But I think the first thing we have to understand is: if we got here, it’s because there’s work. There’s work from the staff, from the board, from those behind us, we’re not going to let anything be missing. There’s daily work from the athletes, from the coaching staff. If we reached all (the finals), it’s because we all did a great job. And we reached the finals. You have to look fondly at what was done.”

Change in the National League format – from 24 to 16 teams – and more on the squad overhaul

“From 2024 to 2025, we changed many players. And from 2025 to 2026, unfortunately, some things happened and led us to also change some situations that were not planned. But that’s not a problem. The rebuilding, as I said, will happen with a lot of calm, with a lot of daily work. And the work is not just on the court, it’s in everything, so that we can build the winning mentality that was created from 24 to 25. We realized that, obviously, we needed players who understand what the history of Corinthians is. From there, we have a much lower margin of error. Because we already understood, we succeeded in 25 and now we are in 26.”

“That’s a good question, because it changed (the format). From there, the message is given to the athletes, because we have 15 games and 16 teams. Look how many games were left behind. There will be no games with low expectations. All 15 games will be decisive. So that’s the first change. The athletes need to understand that each game today is not just worth three points. It’s about being in the playoffs. And the top four are rewarded. That’s the fight we have to be in, among the top four. So the battle will be to demand that passion from start to finish. The athletes’ first understanding has to be of this nature. The way of approaching the competition has changed.”

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