Depay defends music video showing Corinthians HQ on fire

WHAT HAPPENED
Memphis Depay has defended a recently released music video that shows Corinthians' Parque São Jorge administrative headquarters on fire, saying the clip is artistic and that it was filmed months earlier. The video was published shortly after Depay helped Corinthians reach the Copa Libertadores quarter-finals and only days after a public contract dispute with the club.

The release drew scrutiny because the song's lyrics appear to reference his dispute with the club, including a line about a vice-president becoming "my enemy." Depay asked for calm amid ongoing protests by supporters, reiterated that the footage was art, and said he opposes any form of violence.

KEY CONTEXT
- On 11 August Depay publicly criticised Corinthians for what he called "unacceptable behaviour" after the club withdrew a previously agreed extension of a two-year deal signed in 2024.
- Corinthians president Osmar Stabile announced on 18 August that Depay had substantially reduced his financial demands to sign a new contract running until 2028.
- Reports via ESPN Brasil say Depay agreed to forgo roughly R$21m of R$75m owed as part of the new two-year contract valued at R$135m; the remaining R$54m is due in four instalments starting January 2027.