Fagner made his debut aged just 17 and helped Corinthians by trouncing Fortaleza 4–0 in an away match for the 2006 Campeonato Brasileiro Série A.

[6] On 22 August 2016, Fagner was called up by new Brazil national team coach Tite to 2018 World Cup qualification games against Ecuador and Colombia.

[9] Initially a back-up to Dani Alves, and then to Danilo who replaced the injured Alves, Fagner made his debut in the competition in the second group stage game, against Costa Rica, which Brazil won 2–0, starting the game due to Danilo's injury.

He then proceeded to play the next three games, as Danilo's injuries persisted, with Brazil eventually falling to Belgium in the quarter-finals.

With Dani Alves playing the entire tournament as captain and starting right-back, Fagner was the only outfield player from the squad to not enter a match during the competition, and the third overall alongside reserve keepers Ederson and Cássio, as Brazil eventually conquered their 9th continental title.