By Karabo Ngoepe Jul, 27 2025
Memphis Depay’s Absence: Contract Disputes and Discipline Shake Corinthians Before Botafogo Clash

Memphis Depay Missing from Corinthians Squad: The Real Story Behind the Drama

Memphis Depay wasn’t in the starting eleven when Corinthians lined up to face Botafogo, and fans were left speculating: was it injury, form, or something deeper? The real answer is messier. The Dutch forward, a star name brought in with high hopes, is at the centre of a row about money and respect.

Depay’s issues run deeper than a missed training session or two. He’s been embroiled in a growing feud with the Corinthians board over unpaid bonuses and what he claims are broken promises. According to insiders close to the negotiations, the club owes him about €730,000 in performance bonuses—a figure that could balloon to nearly €1.5 million if you count image rights and other incentives. Instead of playing ball, Depay ramped up the pressure by threatening to walk out on his contract, skipping several team activities and making his displeasure public. Unsurprisingly, Corinthians management hit back with internal disciplinary measures, leaving Depay out in the cold exactly when his team needed firepower up front.

This isn’t your run-of-the-mill bust-up. Depay has proven, even in a mixed spell at the club, that he can make the difference in tight games. Just remember his late equalizer against Botafogo last July—a moment that proved he’s got the quality and big-game nerve. Yet, all that talent is now overshadowed by distrust and boardroom politics. His public comments demanding better squad depth and sharper tactics haven’t helped either, sowing more tension in a club already wrestling with consistency on the pitch.

Where Was Garro? Silence Fuels Speculation

Where Was Garro? Silence Fuels Speculation

If Depay’s omission drew headlines, Garro’s absence was quieter but just as baffling for followers of Corinthians. There’s been little official word—no injury update, no suspension announcement, just a name missing from the match sheet. Some close to the squad believe it could be about contract disagreements, similar to Depay’s, or perhaps a tactical reshuffle after a series of games where Garro’s influence waned. But without concrete information, rumours are swirling and Corinthians haven’t done much to clarify.

With both Depay and Garro sidelined, the team’s attacking options took a hit. Fans were quick to spot the void. It’s a headache for the coach, but also a sign of the broader issues bubbling up inside the club. Disagreements over money, mixed with criticism about the squad’s depth and tactical approach, are threatening to derail the season before it even hits the halfway point.

Off-field drama is sometimes impossible to keep away from the pitch. Corinthians, a club no stranger to the intense spotlight of Brazilian football, now finds itself with more questions than answers—not just about missing stars, but about who’s really running the show behind the scenes.

Share this article:

Comments (11)

  • Jason Jennings

    Looks like Corinthians finally learned how to deal with a whiny superstar.
    Depay’s demands are nothing short of entitlement, and the board’s response is exactly what they deserve.
    If the fans wanted a drama series, they got one, but on the pitch it’s just a mess.
    Too bad the club can’t afford a real striker without the cash theatrics.

  • Diego Vargas

    The contract saga isn’t just about a missing euro‑730k, it’s about precedent and trust that the club seems to be breakin.
    Source close to the board say the bonuses were tied to specific performance metrics that Depay missed, but the wording in the initial agreement was vague.
    So while the player claims broken promises, the legal team points to clauses that give the club an out.
    In short, it’s a classic case of ambiguous language leading to a pricey showdown.

  • Alex Lee

    Depay’s drama is just a cash grab and it hurts the team.

  • Vida Yamini

    The situation with Depay is a clear reminder that football is as much about relationships as it is about tactics.
    When a player feels undervalued, the morale of the whole squad can dip.
    Corinthians have a rich history of nurturing talent and the fans expect that culture to continue.
    A breakdown in communication between the board and the striker creates a ripple effect that reaches the locker room.
    Coaches need their forwards to be confident and focused, not preoccupied with legal paperwork.
    The missed bonuses, whether €730k or higher, represent trust that was promised and not delivered.
    In my experience, transparent negotiations can prevent a lot of the noise we are hearing now.
    The club could have set a clear timeline for payment and tied it to measurable outcomes.
    Instead, the vague promises left room for interpretation and resentment.
    Players watching this drama may wonder how secure their own contracts are.
    That uncertainty can affect their performance on match days.
    The fans, too, feel a sense of betrayal when their heroes are sidelined for off‑field issues.
    But the good news is that the team still has depth and young talent ready to step up.
    If the coaching staff can rally the squad around a common goal, they can mitigate the damage.
    Training sessions become a place to rebuild trust and focus on the game plan.
    A united front can also put pressure on the board to resolve the dispute quickly.
    History shows that clubs that handle such crises with openness emerge stronger.
    So let’s hope Corinthians choose dialogue over division and get Depay or another forward back in action soon.

  • James Lawyer

    The financial disagreement between Depay and Corinthians raises legitimate concerns about contractual clarity.
    While the player’s request for the promised bonuses aligns with standard labor expectations, the club’s disciplinary response appears proportionate to the breach of internal protocols.
    It would be prudent for both parties to seek mediation before the situation escalates further, as the upcoming Botafogo match could suffer from the current instability.
    A transparent resolution would not only serve the interests of the club but also preserve the competitive integrity of the league.

  • Abby Culbertson

    i feel bad for the team they need a good striker.
    i hope they fix the money thing fast.

  • Awolumate Muhammed Abayomi

    Hey guys, let’s keep the spirit high! Even without Depay, the squad has energy and can surprise everyone if we all back each other up.

  • Josh Tate

    James makes a solid point about mediation, and I totally get the frustration from both sides.
    It’s tough when the pitch becomes a side‑stage for negotiations, but the fans deserve a fair game.
    Hopefully the board and Depay can find common ground soon.

  • John Smith

    Jason’s take is sharp but forgets that the contract clauses actually give the club leverage.
    The missing €730k isn’t just a random sum-it’s tied to performance metrics that weren’t met.
    So the board isn’t being cruel, they’re following the agreement.

  • Alex Soete

    Wow Vida, that rundown was epic! I love how you laid it all out step by step, and you’re right-communication is everything.
    Let’s all push the team to stay focused and turn this drama into fuel for the next match!

  • Cara McKinzie

    One line and you’ve already set the tone for a circus! Depay’s saga is the biggest scandal of the season and anyone who calls it a cash grab is just ignoring the firestorm swirling around the club.

Write a comment