Depay accuses Corinthians of 'unacceptable behaviour' after contract ends

Memphis Depay has accused Brazilian club Corinthians of "unacceptable behaviour" after the Sao Paulo-based side declined to renew his contract, the forward said on 12 August 2026. He made the allegation on social media following the end of his two-year deal with the club.

Depay joined Corinthians after leaving Atletico Madrid in May 2024 on a two-year contract and is now out of contract after the club decided not to proceed with a previously agreed extension. The player says the renewal had been agreed internally before it was withdrawn, while Corinthians has attributed the decision to financial reasons.

"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. "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. "In the upcoming days I will speak publicly but rest assured that I will not leave this unacceptable behaviour unsanctioned."

During his spell at Corinthians, Depay scored 20 goals in 79 appearances and played in the sides that won the Copa do Brasil in 2025 and the Supercopa do Brasil this year. Those figures were cited in reports summarising his contribution to the club.

Corinthians said the reason for not extending Depay's contract was financial, adding: "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," said a club statement. "We recognise that this was a difficult decision, but it was undoubtedly necessary for the future of Corinthians."

The club, currently seventh in Brazil's Serie A, said president Osmar Stabile will hold a press conference in the coming days to address the decision. Depay is the Netherlands' all-time leading goalscorer and failed to score in three appearances as his side exited the 2026 World Cup in the last 32.

Depay has said he will speak publicly in the coming days, and Corinthians has confirmed Osmar Stabile will hold a press conference in the coming days to explain the club's position.