Depay defends music video showing Corinthians headquarters on fire
Memphis Depay defended the release of a music video that depicts Corinthians' headquarters, Parque São Jorge, in flames on 22 August 2026, calling it "just art" after a recent contract dispute with the Brazilian club. The Netherlands international's comments came after the clip drew scrutiny in the wake of his negotiations with Corinthians.
The former Manchester United forward agreed to take a "significant" pay cut to stay at Corinthians on Tuesday, a move that followed the club's earlier decision not to renew his contract a week before. On 11 August Depay accused Corinthians of "unacceptable behaviour" after the club withdrew a previously agreed extension on a two-year deal signed in 2024.
The video was released 24 hours after Depay helped Corinthians reach the quarter-final of the Copa Libertadores and appears to reference his recent disputes, showing Parque Sao Jorge on fire. In the song he does not name who he is referring to but mentions "rivals" and sings: "I know a vice-president who is now my enemy." Depay said the clip was filmed "months ago" and wrote on social media: "I hope its a peaceful protest where people can express what they think calmly. About my music, I insist it's just art,".
Corinthians fans are currently protesting against the club's ownership amid growing financial and governance issues, and Depay added he was "fully against any type of violence of all kind". On the field, he supplied an assist in the Copa Libertadores last-16 tie against Rosario Central.
According to ESPN Brasil, Depay agreed to waive about R$21m (£2.9m) from R$75m (£10.6m) owed to him as part of the new two-year deal that is worth a total of R$135m (£19.1m). The remainder of the debt, amounting to R$54m (£7.6m), is set to be paid in four instalments, starting in January 2027; the club had originally decided not to extend his contract over concerns over their finances.
Depay has scored 20 goals in 80 appearances for Corinthians and helped them win the Copa do Brasil in 2025 and the Supercopa do Brasil this year; Corinthians are ninth in Brazil's Serie A. Internationally, Depay is the Netherlands' all-time leading goalscorer but failed to net in three appearances as his side exited the 2026 World Cup in the last 32.
Corinthians president Osmar Stabile announced on 18 August that the forward had reduced his financial demands "significantly" in order to sign a new contract with the Sao Paulo club until 2028.
