Labyad hails Corinthians’ mentality, on ties with Brazilian players

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Central do Timão

·24 February 2026

Labyad hails Corinthians’ mentality, on ties with Brazilian players

By Henrique Pereira / Central do Timão Editorial Team

Corinthians officially presented midfielder Zakaria Labyad this Tuesday. The Moroccan, who was recommended by Memphis Depay, explained that he decided to play in Brazil because he believes in the club's recent growth and identifies with the team's competitive mentality. The player also noted that he believes in a good adaptation.

“My entire career has been under pressure to win games and titles. I've won eight or nine trophies in my career. I talked to Memphis about the pressure at Corinthians. I played with Carrillo at Sporting. I also talked to him about this”, said Labyad in a press conference.

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Photo: Rodrigo Coca/Ag. Corinthians

“It's a great club. Last year, they had a great season, winning three trophies that no one expected. The team did that. I am the type of guy with discipline. I hate losing. That's why I will fit into this club because the mentality of Brazilian players is to hate losing. And I am that type of guy. My adaptation will be good”, he added.

During the press conference, Labyad also spoke about the relationship built throughout his career with Brazilian athletes. He mentioned well-known names, such as goalkeeper Cássio, a Corinthians idol, with whom he played at PSV, as well as other compatriots who crossed his path in European football.

“Before coming to Corinthians, I spoke with Memphis and different Brazilian players. How important and how big the club is. Corinthians is improving, and I want to be part of that. I started my career with Memphis, we had good moments together, won trophies, and I hope it continues like that with him”, said the midfielder.

“I played with the legend Cássio Ramos, David Neres, Antony, Elias, and other Brazilians. I always had a connection with them, they were always my best friends in the squad. From the first moment I arrived, I felt welcome, people always try to help. My connection with Brazil is very good. Sixteen years ago, on my first time in Brazil, I played two friendly matches in Salvador and Fortaleza with PSV. It's a good country to play football. It's the country of football, I'm happy to be here”, he continued.

The midfielder also mentioned that playing for Corinthians could increase his international visibility, citing the example of Memphis Depay, who gained space in his national team after joining the São Paulo club.

“I think playing for such a big club like this, one of the biggest in South America, is a very good feeling. It's a great opportunity for me to play for the fans and the club. My chance to go to the World Cup will be greater if I play for a big club like this. It's a great honor to be here”, stated the Moroccan.

Integrated into the squad for two weeks at CT Joaquim Grava, Labyad is working to regain his ideal rhythm. His last official match was in November last year. At the presentation, he expressed confidence that he will be available soon.

“I have been training my physical part for two weeks. I am an experienced player, I know how my body works, and I believe I will be ready next week”, he commented.

Finally, the new signing explained how he can contribute on the field when given opportunities. Labyad said he is capable of playing in various roles in Dorival Júnior's team and described himself as “a technical player.”

“I am a technical player, an attacking midfielder. I can play in five or six positions. The midfield is my best position. I will try to help the club with my offensive quality, with goals, assists, helping the team win matches”, he concluded.

Throughout his professional career, Labyad has had stints with teams in the Netherlands, Portugal, England, and China. His most notable performance was in 2017/18, playing for FC Utrecht, when he scored 18 goals and provided nine assists in 39 matches in the Dutch Championship. In 2025, in Chinese football, he participated in 25 games, scored six times, and contributed with four assists.

Although already training with the group, the midfielder will need to undergo a period of physical reconditioning before being available to coach Dorival Júnior, as he has not played officially since November 2025.

In this transfer window, which closes in March, the Parque São Jorge club has already confirmed six other reinforcements besides Labyad: defender Gabriel Paulista, full-backs Pedro Milans and Fabrizio Angileri, midfielders Matheus Pereira and Allan, as well as forward Kaio César.

Possibly still without the new signing among the squad, Corinthians takes the field this Wednesday at 8 PM to face Cruzeiro at Mineirão, in a match valid for the fourth round of the Brazilian Championship Série A.

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