Depay says Corinthians 'unacceptable' as contract ends

What the report says

Memphis Depay has accused Corinthians of “unacceptable behaviour” after the Brazilian club decided not to renew his contract. In a social media post reported by BBC Sport Football, the Netherlands forward said a previously agreed extension had been withdrawn and argued that club officials had breached an understanding reached with the president and several departments at the Sao Paulo side.

Depay joined Corinthians in 2024 on a two-year deal after leaving Atletico Madrid. He said he had tried to handle the situation respectfully but felt compelled to defend his interests. The BBC report says he planned to speak more publicly in the coming days. Depay made 79 appearances for the club, scoring 20 goals, and helped Corinthians win the Copa do Brasil in 2025 and the Supercopa do Brasil earlier this year.

Corinthians, who are currently seventh in Brazil’s Serie A, said the contract decision was driven by financial constraints. In a statement, the club said extending a deal of that size would not fit with the economic balance needed to protect its long-term sustainability. The club said president Osmar Stabile will address the matter at a press conference in the coming days.

Depay, 32, is the Netherlands’ all-time leading scorer. He also recently featured at the 2026 World Cup, where the Dutch were eliminated in the last 32.