Memphis out to end 2026 drought and fire Corinthians into the final

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Gazeta Esportiva.com

·28 February 2026

Memphis out to end 2026 drought and fire Corinthians into the final

Memphis Depay has a mission this Saturday, against Novorizontino. As a key player for Corinthians, the Dutch striker is trying to break his goal drought to lead the team to the final of the Campeonato Paulista.

The player is undoubtedly one of Timão’s technical references on the field, but he has yet to score a goal this season. He has already played eight matches in 2026 and is still searching for his breakthrough.

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Memphis’ last goal was on December 21, 2025. He scored the title-winning goal in the Copa do Brasil final against Vasco at Maracanã.

(Photo: Rodrigo Coca/Agência Corinthians)

It’s worth noting that the number 10 missed Corinthians’ first five matches this year. He suffered the consequences of playing through injury in the Copa do Brasil final and needed to undergo muscle strengthening work.

New role?

Without his attacking partner Yuri Alberto, who is injured, Memphis Depay could take on a new role at Corinthians. In a recent press conference, coach Dorival Júnior did not rule out the possibility of using him as a number 9, just as he plays for the Netherlands national team.

With this, the 32-year-old athlete could play alongside a more mobile striker, such as Vitinho or Dieguinho. Or he could play his usual role, with Gui Negão or Pedro Raul as the target man.

Corinthians come into the clash with Novorizontino motivated. The team advanced to the semifinals after eliminating Portuguesa on penalties and has only one loss in its last eight matches. In addition, there have been five wins and two draws.

The match, decided in a single game, will be played at 8:30 p.m. (Brasília time) this Saturday, at Jorge Ismael de Biasi in Novo Horizonte. If the match ends in a draw after 90 minutes, the decision will go to penalties.