One of the most beaten football players says: “There are no good players. Dear, only bad players.” In a way, Memphis Depay proved this thesis during Corinthians’ Copa do Brasil campaign. The Dutch striker, who receives 3 million reais per month, in addition to benefits such as the luxury hotel where he lived and private security, was the title scorer in the 2-1 victory against Vasco in yesterday’s final, at the Maracanã.
More than that. He was decisive throughout the tournament, finding the net twice to decide matches. In the round of 16 against Palmeiras, he scored the 1–0 winning goal with a header. In the semi-final against Cruzeiro, he repeated the same feat in Mineirão. At the center of numerous criticisms precisely because of his high cost, the international star took advantage of his morale to blast personalities from the club’s board of directors:
— Board members need to wake up. I know exactly who I’m talking about, and they know exactly who they are. Leave this club. They’re going to do m…elsewhere. Who wants to fuck… Corinthians leave this club, leave the board of directors. This club needs structure. And I come to provide structure, but I need more help — he told Rádio Bandeirantes.
The strong and critical personality is another trait that strengthens Memphis’ identification with Corinthians fans. Since his arrival at the club, in September 2024, the striker has wanted to get closer to the popular profile of Fiel with “Roles in the neighborhoods” in the best São Paulo style. It is not uncommon to see him at parties or barbecues on the outskirts of the city: Santo André and ABC Paulista are among the areas visited. Shirt 10’s taste for rap is indeed another point that connects him to Corinthian. Club fan MC Hariel befriended Memphis and even recorded a video with the athlete.
But this relationship wasn’t just about joy. In June, Memphis even notified Corinthians of a debt of 6.1 million reais, referring to the Paulistão title bonus and delayed image rights. At the time, the attacker’s lawyer indicated that number 10 could breach his professional obligations if payment was not made.
The controversy lasted until July, when the athlete even missed training without giving any reason. The episode shook the image of Memphis among some fans and sparked a quarrel between the player and an idol of the club, now presenter Neto. Subsequently, player and club got around the imbroglio and calmed the situation.
Just for yesterday’s title, Memphis will be entitled to 4.7 million reais. But it is certain that with the goal and the series of decisive performances, no Corinthians fan will complain or criticize him.
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