Corinthians seek answers from Memphis Depay over club nods in video | OneFootball

Corinthians issued a statement this Saturday (22) regarding the music video released by Memphis Depay on Friday (21). In light of the reaction to the content, the club said it spoke with the forward and asked for clarification about the references featured in the production.

The video accompanies the song “Don’t Panic” and features different elements related to Memphis’ time at Corinthians. Among the topics addressed are contract renewal talks, the player’s relationship with members of the board, and recent events involving the club.

Photo: Rodrigo Coca/Agência Corinthians

According to Corinthians, Memphis said the music video had been recorded before the protests seen in recent days. The player reportedly explained that there was no intention of linking the production to the acts carried out by supporters, especially the demonstration held this Saturday at Parque São Jorge.

Still according to the club, the forward regretted that the release coincided with the moment of political tension being experienced by Corinthians and showed willingness to maintain conduct consistent with the institution’s principles.

“During the conversation, the athlete explained that the recording of the aforementioned content had been carried out previously, with no relationship whatsoever or intention of association with the protest episodes that occurred over the past week, especially the one recorded at Parque São Jorge on Saturday morning, the 22nd. For his part, Memphis Depay regretted the timing coincidence, understanding the clarifications presented by the Club, and showing a desire to maintain conduct aligned with the values that guide this century-old institution”, it wrote.

Corinthians also said it is assessing the measures that can be taken in response to the episode. According to the statement, the club is analyzing the steps provided for in the contract and under the law, including the possibility of imposing a fine.

In the production, one of the scenes that drew the most attention shows Parque São Jorge portrayed amid a fire. Memphis appears inside a car while watching the flames consume Corinthians’ social headquarters.

The reaction led the forward to speak out on social media during the early hours between Friday and Saturday. In a post on X, the Dutchman said the composition had been written and produced about four months earlier. Memphis described the music video as “art” and reiterated his opposition to any violent demonstration.

The player also said he hopes protests related to Corinthians take place peacefully, allowing supporters to express their opinions without violence.

This Saturday’s demonstration at Parque São Jorge took place without any reports of violence. Hundreds of supporters took part in the act, which began gathering before the originally scheduled time, 10 a.m., and lasted until around 1 p.m.

Among the demands presented by the demonstrators were support for possible judicial intervention, criticism of Corinthians’ political leadership, and calls for changes in the club’s management.

In addition to the references to Parque São Jorge, the lyrics of “Don’t Panic” mention people connected to Corinthians’ day-to-day life. In one section, Memphis refers to a vice president and talks about having become a kind of “boss” in the eyes of supporters and teammates.

“I know a vice president who is now my enemy / On top of that, I see how they are looking at me / I swear I’m not even cooking / But they’re calling me boss now,” he sang.

Currently, Armando Mendonça holds the position of Corinthians’ second vice president and was among the directors who opposed Memphis’ renewal.

After the reaction to the song, Mendonça commented on the episode in an interview with ESPN and made a comparison with well-known songs related to the club and Brazilian culture. The executive also said the forward will be judged by his performance on the field.

“Toquinho made a song for Corinthians, Vinícius de Moraes made a beautiful song for Helô Pinheiro, ‘The Girl from Ipanema.’ Corinthians got a song from a rapper who was signed to play football, and he will be judged on that”, he told ESPN this Saturday.

“Don’t Panic” is the seventh musical work released by Memphis since arriving at Corinthians. The forward had already explored his artistic career on other occasions, including in projects carried out during his time in Brazilian football.

In February 2025, the Dutchman released “Falando com as Favelas,” a project featuring MC Hariel and MC Marks that brought together four tracks. He then released “São Paulo Freestyle.”

Memphis also released “Work a Lot” in December 2025, after Corinthians won the Copa do Brasil. Later came the productions “Yms” and “Hard Times Never Humbled Us.”

The release of the music video came just a few days after Memphis finally completed his contract renewal with Corinthians. The new deal was signed last Tuesday (19) and runs until July 31, 2028.

On the field, the forward returned to action two days later, on Thursday (20), and played a decisive role in Corinthians’ qualification for the Libertadores quarterfinals.

Memphis came on in the second half of the match against Argentina’s Rosario Central and was involved in the play that secured the 1-0 win at Neo Química Arena. The No. 10 took the free kick that ended with Breno Bidon’s goal. Now, the Dutchman turns his attention to the Brazilian Championship. Corinthians face Coritiba this Sunday (23), at 7:30 p.m., at Couto Pereira Stadium, for the 24th round of the competition.

Check out the statement published by Corinthians:

Sport Club Corinthians Paulista informs the public about the episode involving player Memphis Depay regarding the music video he published on his social media last Friday, the 21st.

The Club, as a rule committed to transparency and respect for the institution, contacted the player in order to clarify what occurred.

During the conversation, the athlete explained that the recording of the aforementioned content had been carried out previously, with no relationship whatsoever or intention of association with the protest episodes that occurred over the past week, especially the one recorded at Parque São Jorge on Saturday morning, the 22nd.

We stress that the Club is adopting all applicable contractual and legal measures for the case, reiterating its deep respect for the Corinthians institution, Parque São Jorge, and the symbol that represents our history and supporters.

For his part, Memphis Depay regretted the timing coincidence, understanding the clarifications presented by the Club, and showing a desire to maintain conduct aligned with the values that guide this century-old institution.

We remain available for further information and take this opportunity to reinforce our commitment to transparency and safeguarding the image of Sport Club Corinthians Paulista.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.