Memphis Depay has publicly criticized Corinthians after the Brazilian club opted not to renew his contract, calling the decision "unacceptable" and accusing the club's leadership of going back on a prior commitment.
The Dutch forward, who joined Corinthians in 2024 following his departure from Atletico Madrid, is now a free agent after his two-year deal expired. According to Depay, a renewal had already been agreed with the club's hierarchy before it was suddenly 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," Depay wrote on social media.
He went on to express his frustration at how the situation unfolded, insisting he had remained professional and loyal to the club despite the circumstances. "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," he said. The 32-year-old added that he intends to address the matter further in public statements and warned that he would not let the club's conduct go unchallenged. "In the upcoming days I will speak publicly but rest assured that I will not leave this unacceptable behaviour unsanctioned," he wrote.
During his time at the Sao Paulo giants, Depay made a significant impact, netting 20 goals in 79 appearances. He played a key role in Corinthians' triumphs in the 2025 Copa do Brasil and this year's Supercopa do Brasil, cementing his status as a fan favorite at the club.
Despite his contributions on the pitch, Corinthians' hierarchy pointed to financial constraints as the reason behind their decision not to extend his stay. The club, currently sitting seventh in Brazil's Serie A standings, issued a statement explaining that committing to a new long-term deal with Depay would have placed unsustainable pressure on its finances.
"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. Corinthians acknowledged the difficulty of the choice but defended it as necessary for the club's long-term stability. "We recognise that this was a difficult decision, but it was undoubtedly necessary for the future of Corinthians," the statement continued.
In response to the growing controversy, Corinthians confirmed that club president Osmar Stabile will hold a press conference in the coming days to provide further clarification on the reasoning behind the decision and to address Depay's accusations directly.
The fallout comes at a challenging time personally for Depay, who remains the Netherlands' record goalscorer in the history of the national team. However, his recent form on the international stage has been less fruitful — he failed to find the net in any of his three appearances as the Dutch side were eliminated from the 2026 World Cup in the round of 32.
With his contract now expired and no resolution in sight, Depay's next club destination remains uncertain. What is clear, though, is that his departure from Corinthians has turned acrimonious, setting the stage for further public statements from both the player and the club in the days ahead.
Based on reporting from BBC Sport.