SÃO PAULO – Memphis Depay, the Dutch forward for Corinthians, found himself at the center of controversy during Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Flamengo in the Campeonato Brasileirão. Footage circulating online showed Depay using his mobile phone even as on the bench after being substituted due to injury in the 22nd minute, prompting questions about his focus and commitment during the match. The incident occurred at Neo Química Arena in São Paulo, Brazil.
The situation quickly gained traction on social media, with many questioning the appropriateness of a player using a personal device during a live game. Corinthians staff intervened, requesting Depay put his phone away, adding fuel to the debate. This episode arrives at a particularly sensitive time for Depay, who has faced scrutiny from a segment of the Corinthians fanbase regarding his substantial salary.
Depay, however, swiftly addressed the concerns, clarifying that his phone apply was directly related to a medical matter. “Just to clarify, my moment with the phone was purely to communicate with the medical staff in the Netherlands at that moment,” he explained in a statement posted on social media. “I came outside to show support to my team while I could’ve stayed inside the dressing room with the injury. I’m upset with the result of the game as well, but we keep working for better days.”
The explanation aims to reframe the incident as a necessary communication with medical professionals regarding his ongoing recovery, rather than a display of disinterest in the match. Depay’s injury status is particularly relevant as he is also a key member of the Netherlands national team, with crucial matches on the horizon.
Context of Rising Tensions
This incident isn’t occurring in a vacuum. Depay’s arrival at Corinthians in 2024 has been met with mixed reactions. While his talent is undeniable, some fans have expressed frustration over his reported €13 million annual salary, a figure considered disproportionate given the club’s current financial difficulties. Corinthians reportedly owes Depay nearly €5 million. The forward himself acknowledged a sense of resistance from some quarters, stating recently, “I feel that many people are playing against Corinthians. So when a guy like me arrives in the country, with my character, with my personality, and the team starts to have success, the fans start to see that the old times of winning trophies are returning, something that some people don’t like.”
On the field, Depay’s impact has been limited thus far in 2026. He has scored one goal in seven appearances across the Paulista Championship and the Brasileirão. His early substitution against Flamengo further underscores the challenges he’s facing with maintaining fitness and consistent playing time.
Netherlands Duty Calls
Despite the controversy in Brazil, Depay remains a key figure for the Netherlands national team. He has been named in Ronald Koeman’s 26-man squad for upcoming international friendlies ahead of a major tournament. The squad includes a debut call-up for 20-year-old AZ Alkmaar midfielder Kees Smit, and welcomes back experienced players like Justin Bijlow (Genoa), Stefan de Vrij, and Brian Brobbey.
The Oranje will face Norway in Amsterdam on March 27th and Ecuador in Eindhoven on March 31st, providing crucial preparation ahead of the tournament. The return of Bijlow, who has rediscovered his form at Genoa after a spell at Feyenoord, and Brobbey, who hasn’t featured for the national team in a year, adds depth to Koeman’s options. Chelsea’s Jorrel Hato also earns a spot, replacing Lutsharel Geertruida and Quilindschy Hartman from the Premier League.
Several players are unavailable due to injury, including goalkeepers Robin Roefs and defenders Frenkie de Jong, Matthijs de Ligt, and Justin Kluivert. The full Netherlands squad consists of goalkeepers Bijlow (Genoa), Mark Flekken (Bayer Leverkusen), and Bart Verbruggen (Brighton & Hove Albion). defenders Nathan Ake (Manchester City), De Vrij, Denzel Dumfries (Inter Milan), Hato (Chelsea), Jurrien Timber (Arsenal), Micky van de Ven (Tottenham Hotspur), Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool), and Jan Paul van Hecke (Brighton & Hove Albion); midfielders Ryan Gravenberch (Liverpool), Teun Koopmeiners (Juventus), Tijjani Reijnders (Manchester City), Jerdy Schouten (PSV Eindhoven), Xavi Simons (Tottenham Hotspur), Smit (AZ Alkmaar), Quinten Timber (Olympique de Marseille), and Luciano Valente (Feyenoord); and forwards Brobbey (Sunderland), Depay (Corinthians), Jeremie Frimpong and Cody Gakpo (Liverpool), Noa Lang (Galatasaray), Donyell Malen (AS Roma), and Wout Weghorst (Ajax).
The incident with Depay’s phone use, while seemingly minor, highlights the intense scrutiny faced by professional athletes and the challenges of balancing club commitments with international duties, particularly when dealing with injury concerns. It also underscores the complex relationship between players, fans, and the financial realities of modern football.
Corinthians will gaze to break their winless streak in their next Brasileirão fixture, while Depay will aim to contribute to the Netherlands’ preparations for the upcoming tournament. The focus will be on performance on the pitch, but the scrutiny surrounding Depay’s actions will likely continue for the foreseeable future.
