Internacional secures Fabinho Soldado as executive director for 2026 season amidst Corinthians departure

Internacional has successfully completed the hiring of Fabinho Soldado, the former Corinthians executive director, to lead its football department starting in the 2026 season. The agreement, reached in recent hours of late December 2025, marks a significant move for the Porto Alegre club as it strategically plans for its future. Soldado’s official announcement is anticipated to occur in January 2026, solidifying a long-term commitment.

The executive director’s contract with the Gaúcho club extends until the conclusion of president Alessandro Barcellos’s current administration, underscoring the club’s confidence in his vision and leadership. This strategic appointment has been a primary objective for Internacional, with Soldado consistently identified as the top candidate for the pivotal role.

A strategic acquisition for Internacional

Fabinho Soldado has been the “number one target” for Internacional’s football department for an extended period, reflecting the club’s consistent pursuit of his expertise. His historical ties to the club, where he notably achieved significant victories as a player, resonate deeply with the fanbase and leadership alike. This personal connection played a crucial role in facilitating the recent negotiations.

The strategic importance of this acquisition cannot be overstated, as Soldado’s experience at the highest levels of Brazilian football is seen as essential for Internacional’s ambitions. His proven track record in squad management and player recruitment aligns perfectly with the club’s objectives for sustained success and competitive growth.

His appointment is expected to invigorate the club’s football operations, providing a fresh perspective and a clear direction for the upcoming seasons. The focus will now shift towards leveraging his skills to strengthen the team and build a formidable roster capable of competing for major titles.

Soldado’s emotional return to Colorado

The move represents a heartfelt return for Fabinho Soldado to a club where he forged a legendary playing career. During his time on the field for Internacional, he was part of an iconic era, triumphing in both the prestigious Copa Libertadores and the FIFA Club World Cup in 2006. This period remains etched in the club’s history, highlighting his deep connection and affection for the Colorado.

That victorious 2006 squad was then coached by Abel Braga, who currently serves as Internacional’s technical director. Braga played a fundamental and influential role in the intricate negotiations that ultimately secured Soldado’s return to the club in an executive capacity for the 2026 season. Their shared history and mutual respect undoubtedly facilitated a smoother and more effective negotiation process, culminating in this significant agreement.

Negotiation timeline and key players

Internacional had previously explored the possibility of bringing Soldado on board earlier in the 2025 season. However, initial discussions indicated that any formal negotiations would only proceed after the culmination of the Copa do Brasil tournament, a competition where Corinthians, Soldado’s then-club, was still actively vying for the title. Corinthians ultimately secured the Copa do Brasil championship on Sunday, December 21, 2025.

Following Corinthians’ triumph, events unfolded rapidly. A decisive meeting between Fabinho Soldado and Corinthians president Osmar Stabile took place on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, which finalized the executive’s departure from the São Paulo club. This paved the way for the swift conclusion of his agreement with Internacional, underscoring the meticulous planning that preceded the official announcement. Soldado is now poised to immediately join other members of Internacional’s board in their search for new signings for the 2026 season.

Internal turmoil at Corinthians led to departure

Despite his strong performance and positive working relationships within the CT Joaquim Grava, Fabinho Soldado faced considerable internal opposition at Corinthians. He was reportedly well-regarded by the squad, maintaining a good rapport with the players, which is often a crucial aspect of an executive’s role in football.

However, significant resistance emerged from influential figures closely aligned with president Osmar Stabile. These factions raised various criticisms regarding Soldado’s position and influence within the club’s hierarchy.

Among the specific points of contention were his salary, which was deemed excessive by some internal critics, and the perception that he was a “legacy” of the previous administration led by Augusto Melo. This political dynamic created a challenging environment for Soldado.

Ultimately, these internal political currents led to Soldado being largely marginalized within Corinthians, a situation colloquially described as being “fried” internally. This internal pressure proved unsustainable, compelling his eventual departure from the club despite his professional merits.

Corinthians’ search for a new football executive

With Fabinho Soldado’s exit, Corinthians quickly began its search for a new executive to oversee its football operations. One prominent name that entered discussions was Bruno Spindel, formerly associated with Flamengo. Spindel’s experience with a major Brazilian club made him a logical candidate for the Corinthians’ leadership.

However, discussions between Corinthians and Spindel ultimately did not materialize into an agreement. Treaties between the parties concluded without a definitive outcome on Saturday, December 27, 2025. This development means Corinthians continues its quest for a new executive director as the 2026 season approaches.

Looking ahead: Building the 2026 squad

Fabinho Soldado’s primary task upon joining Internacional will be to immediately engage with the existing board and technical staff to strategize for the upcoming 2026 season. His immediate focus will be on identifying key areas for improvement within the squad and actively pursuing new talent in the transfer market. This proactive approach aims to ensure Internacional is fully prepared to compete at the highest level as soon as the new season commences.