It is the 63 year-old's first role since being sacked by Brazil in March, off the back of a humiliating 4-1 defeat to rival Argentina. 

It was the Selecao's joint-largest losing margin in a World Cup qualifier, with Junior's tenure ending after just 14 months and 16 games. 

Football journalist Fabrizio Romano made a sensational claim that Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti had reached a verbal agreement to take the Brazil job in time for its 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Ecuador and Paraguay in early June, but it appears the LaLiga club won't stump up for an early release of the veteran mentor.

Dorival Junior takes over at Corinthians from Argentine coach Ramon Diaz, who was relieved of his duties earlier this month, with Corinthians sitting 12th in Serie A after its first six games of the season. 

"It's an important moment in my career. I hope to leave a legacy within the work that has already been going on," Junior said in a statement.

"They're loyal fans who never give up. That's a trademark. I hope to experience all this ... At the end of the season, I hope we can fight for all the competitions we're in."

Corinthians are the 22nd different club that Junior has managed in Brazil. He has taken charge of 493 matches in Serie A, winning 203 (D125 L165), averaging 1.49 points per game. 

Brazil, meanwhile, is yet to announce Junior's replacement. Ancelotti and Al-Hilal's Jorge Jesus are among the front-runners.