Memphis Depay accuses Corinthians of breaking contract renewal agreement

Dutch footballer Memphis Depay has publicly accused Brazilian club Corinthians of reneging on a verbal agreement to extend his contract. Depay, 32, took to social media to express his "deep disappointment" after the club decided not to honor a two-year extension that he claims was explicitly agreed upon by the club's president, as well as its sporting, legal, and financial departments.

Corinthians announced their decision not to renew Depay's contract, citing "exclusively financial" reasons and concerns for the club's financial health. The player's contract in Brazil expired at the end of July. Depay, a former player for Barcelona and Atlético de Madrid, stated that he would not let the situation go unpunished.

"I did not want this to happen and I always respected the club throughout the process, but now I am forced to react firmly to defend my interests," Depay wrote. He promised to speak publicly in the coming days, assuring that he would not let this "unacceptable behavior" go without consequence.

In response, Corinthians indicated that club president Osmar Stabile would hold a press conference to explain the situation. Brazilian media reports suggest the club owes Depay approximately 42 million reais (about $8 million) in unpaid wages, excluding interest. Since joining Corinthians in September 2024, Depay scored 20 goals in 79 appearances and won three titles: the Campeonato Paulista, the Copa do Brasil in 2025, and the Supercopa Rei in 2026.