Basílio: Yuri Alberto is a Corinthians idol, Memphis should stay

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Central do Timão

·13 de fevereiro de 2026

Basílio: Yuri Alberto is a Corinthians idol, Memphis should stay

By Henrique Pereira / Central do Timão Editorial Team

An eternal idol of Corinthians, Basílio commented in an interview with Gazeta Esportiva about Yuri Alberto’s status at the club. The former midfielder, known as “Pé de Anjo” (Angel Foot), also spoke about his expectations for Timão’s 2026 season.

Author of the goal that secured the 1977 São Paulo state championship, Basílio believes that the current number 9 already has enough credentials to be considered a club idol. For him, Yuri’s journey—marked by moments of pressure and recovery—reinforces this recognition. The striker has already won three titles and is Corinthians’ top scorer in the 21st century, with 79 goals scored.

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Photo: José Manoel Idalgo/Corinthians

“He’s already an idol, he earned it. Anyone who saw his arrival, the problems he faced and overcame, becoming a top scorer—he’s an idol. When the lineup is announced and his name is called, the whole crowd shouts, the children cheer, they sing for Yuri Alberto,” said Basílio.

The former player also expressed confidence in the team’s performance in 2026. He highlighted the signings made in the last transfer window and believes that the squad led by Dorival Júnior has the potential to expand the club’s trophy collection. Since the coach’s arrival, the club has already won the 2025 Copa do Brasil and this season’s Supercopa do Brasil.

“I see it positively. First, because of the signings; second, because Corinthians has always shown it has a strong, competitive starting lineup. The expectation is to see Corinthians fighting for more titles,” projected the club idol.

Another topic addressed was Memphis Depay’s contract situation. The Dutch striker has a contract valid only until mid-year and may leave the club after the World Cup. For Basílio, keeping the number 10 is fundamental.

“For me, he has to stay. I didn’t know he was as important as I’m seeing now. When he’s on the field, the team’s production is much higher,” opined Pé de Anjo.

Basílio holds a prominent place in Corinthians’ history. It was his goal that ended a nearly 23-year title drought, in the 1977 Paulista. In addition to that iconic achievement, he also won the state championship in 1979. In total, he scored 29 goals in 253 matches wearing the black and white shirt, consolidating his name among the greatest in the club’s history.

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