Corinthians to fine Memphis Depay after controversial clip | OneFootball

Corinthians decided to fine forward Memphis Depay over the controversial music video released by the player last Friday (21). With references to the renewal process, jabs at the club’s board, and images of Parque São Jorge in flames, the production drew attention.

According to information published by the Meu Timão portal and confirmed by the Central do Timão newsroom, the club believed it could even terminate the player’s contract because of the content. That possibility was ultimately ruled out by the board, which chose to impose a fine equivalent to 20% of the Dutchman’s salary. The percentage, however, will still be reviewed by Corinthians’ legal department.

Photo: Reproduction

The punishment is directly related to the understanding that Memphis did not preserve Corinthians’ image, which was stipulated in the agreement between them.

Last Saturday, Timão said it had demanded explanations from the forward about the situation. In a statement, the club said Memphis explained that the recording had been made four months earlier and was unrelated to the protests seen over the past week, especially those last weekend at Parque São Jorge.

According to the club, the forward regretted that the release coincided with the moment of political tension experienced by Corinthians and showed willingness to maintain a stance compatible with the institution’s principles.

Understand the controversy

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

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 backlash 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.

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 passage, Memphis refers to a vice president and says he has become a kind of “boss” in the eyes of fans and teammates.

“I know a vice president who is now my enemy. Besides that, I see the way they’re looking at me. I swear I’m not even cooking, but they’re calling me the 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 song’s repercussions, Mendonça commented on the episode in an interview and drew a comparison with well-known songs linked to the club and Brazilian culture. The executive also said the forward will be judged on his performances 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 will be held accountable for that”, he told ESPN this Saturday.

“Don’t Panic” is the seventh musical work released by Memphis since he arrived 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 music video was released 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.

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