Depay Accuses Corinthians of ‘Unacceptable’ Conduct Over Contract
Memphis Depay has accused Brazilian club Corinthians of breaching a previously agreed contract renewal, calling the club’s conduct “unacceptable” after it opted not to extend...
Memphis Depay has accused Brazilian club Corinthians of breaching a previously agreed contract renewal, calling the club’s conduct “unacceptable” after it opted not to extend his deal. The Dutch forward’s two-year contract, signed after he left Atletico Madrid in May 2024, has now expired.
Depay said in a social media post that an extension had already been approved at multiple levels of the club before being reversed. “This renewal was explicitly agreed upon by the president as well as the sporting, legal and financial department. Some people decided however to breach this engagement,” he wrote. He added that he had respected the club throughout the process but felt compelled to respond. “I didn’t want this situation and always respected the club throughout the process, but now I am forced to react strongly in order to preserve my interests,” Depay wrote, indicating he intends to address the matter further. “In the upcoming days I will speak publicly but rest assured that I will not leave this unacceptable behaviour unsanctioned.”
A Productive Spell in Sao Paulo
Depay scored 20 goals in 79 appearances during his time at Corinthians, helping the club win the Copa do Brasil in 2025 and the Supercopa do Brasil this year. The Sao Paulo club currently sits seventh in Brazil’s Serie A.
Club Cites Financial Constraints
Corinthians said the decision not to renew the 32-year-old’s contract came down to financial sustainability rather than performance. “It became clear that taking on a new commitment of this magnitude would not be compatible with the financial balance we need to preserve to ensure the institution’s sustainability,” the club said in a statement, adding: “We recognise that this was a difficult decision, but it was undoubtedly necessary for the future of Corinthians.”
Club president Osmar Stabile is expected to hold a press conference in the coming days to address the decision further.
Context: A Difficult World Cup
Depay remains the Netherlands’ all-time leading goalscorer but was unable to find the net in three appearances as the Dutch side was eliminated in the round of 32 at the 2026 World Cup.
