Depay defends music video showing Corinthians HQ on fire

Youtube video showing Corinthians headquarters in flames

Image source, Memphis Depay/YoutubeImage caption,

Corinthians' headquarters, Parque São Jorge, in flames in Memphis Depay's 'Don't Panic' music video

ByJude WinterBBC Sport journalist

Published7 minutes ago

Netherlands international Memphis Depay has defended the release of his new music video showing Corinthians' headquarters in flames as "just art" - days after a contract row with the Brazilian club.

The former Manchester United forward agreed to take a "significant" pay cut to stay at Corinthians on Tuesday.

It came a week after the club opted against renewing his contract.

But Depay has now come under scrutiny for releasing the controversial music video for his track 'Don't Panic'.

It was released just 24 hours after the 32-year-old helped Corinthians reach the quarter-final of the Copa Libertadores, and appears to contain references to his recent disputes with the club, showing him watching their administrative center Parque Sao Jorge in flames.

In the song, Depay does not name who he is referring to, but mentions "rivals" and sings: "I know a vice-president who is now my enemy."

Corinthians fans are currently protesting against the club's ownership amid growing financial and governance issues and Depay moved to dampen any potential backlash against the video before further protests, external by saying it was filmed "months ago".

"I hope its a peaceful protest where people can express what they think calmly. About my music, I insist it's just art," he said on social media, external.

Referencing to the club's headquarters' being in flames, the Dutchman added he was "fully against any type of violence of all kind".

Depay's contract saga at Corinthians

Memphis Depay celebrating an assist in the Copa Libertadores last 16 tie against Rosario Central

Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption,

Depay grabbed an assist in the Copa Libertadores last-16 tie against Rosario Central

On 11 August, Depay accused Corinthians of "unacceptable behaviour" after the club withdrew a previously agreed extension on a two-year deal signed in 2024.

But Corinthians president Osmar Stabile then announced on 18 August the forward had reduced his financial demands "significantly" in order to sign a new contract with the Sao Paulo club until 2028.

He has scored 20 goals in 80 appearances for Corinthians and helped them win the Copa do Brasil in 2025 and the Supercopa do Brasil this year.

But the club, who are ninth in Brazil's Serie A, had originally decided not to extend his contract over concerns over their finances.

According to ESPN Brasil, external, Depay agreed to waive about R$21m (£2.9m) from R$75m (£10.6m) owed to him as part of the new two-year deal that is worth a total of R$135m (£19.1m).

The remainder of the debt, amounting to R$54m (£7.6m), is set to be paid in four instalments, starting in January 2027.

Depay is the Netherlands' all-time leading goalscorer but failed to net in three appearances as his side exited the 2026 World Cup in the last 32.