Matheus Pereira continues Corinthians’ tradition of Brazilian champs

In partnership with

Central do Timão

·18 January 2026

Matheus Pereira continues Corinthians’ tradition of Brazilian champs

By Mirella Ramos / Central do Timão Editorial Team

The signing of Matheus Pereira ensured the continuation of a historical tradition at Corinthians. Since the 1990 Brazilian Championship title, the club has always had at least one national champion athlete with Timão in its professional squad.

The midfielder participated in one game during the 2015 Brazilian title campaign, which officially qualifies him as a champion of that edition. With this, Corinthians avoids a break in the sequence, which could have happened after the recent departures of players who were part of winning squads, such as Maycon and Ángel Romero.

OneFootball Videos

Photo: Agência Corinthians

According to a survey by journalist Tomás Rosolino, only in 2005 did Corinthians start the season without any Brazilian champion in the group. That year, however, the situation was resolved with the conquest of the national title itself, which made the entire squad champions. Additionally, Timão had Márcio Bittencourt – a Brazilian champion with the club in 1990 – first as interim coach and then confirmed throughout the campaign that culminated in the fourth Brazilian championship, under the command of Antônio Lopes.

Over the years, names like Ronaldo Giovanelli, champion in 1990 and present at the club until 1998, and Cássio, who defended Timão between 2015 and 2024, helped maintain the tradition. With the last national victory in 2017, the continuation of this pattern has become rarer, as few athletes from that period are still active.

Revealed by Corinthians, Matheus Pereira returns to the club on a one-year loan, with an option to purchase at the end of the contract. The player has had stints with clubs in Italy, France, and Spain and returns to Parque São Jorge after playing for Fortaleza last season.

See more: