Of Martin Graham
At the closing moments of the Paulista A1 final, Memphis Depay Stop with both feet on the ball as the Corinthians headed for the victory over Palmeiras. That brief skill show triggered a furious melee, ending with a player from each dismissed team.
Brazil’s football authorities were not impressed, labeling the action a provocation that “gives off the game” and is warned. Tapping and Neymar Strong behind, with the Dutch attacker who explained that he arrived in Brazil to experience Jogo Bonito and the freedom of expression he admired in South -American football. Neymar added that the sport became more and more boring.
Depay, now 31, has built an identity that goes far beyond the pitch. Recognizable on his side of the t -shirt and lion tattoo on his back, he has forged his way through music, philanthropy and daring career options.
A reconstructed race and breaks the records
Following the early acclamation to PSV Eindhoven and a turbulent spell to Manchester UnitedDepay relived his career through a methodical approach. He adopted data analysis to find a club that adapted to his style, and joined Lyon after consulting with the Dutch company Scisports. His report led him to reject options in England, Italy, Spain and Turkey in favor of France.
Their moment at Lyon He saw him bloom in the field and off the field. For four and a half seasons, he scored 76 goals in 178 appearances and became a more open and expressive figure, while launching a foundation to help deaf and blind children worldwide.
Barcelona He came to call in 2021 when Ronald Koeman, who had trained him with the national team, signed him. He produced 12 league goals in his first campaign, but was not fully established in Spain for three years. In September last year, he made a surprising change to the Corinthians.
State of the Worship Hero in São Paulo
Depay’s arrival in Brazil reversed the usual migration of talent, gaining -a unique place in local football culture. Its impact was immediate: seven goals in 11 games pushed the Corinthians from close to the bottom to seventh place and to the Copa Libertadores, followed by a state title that ended with a six -year -old drought.
Financial disputes appeared on the bonuses in its valuable agreement, which the club agreed to pay in quotas. Local journalist Bruno Cassucci explained that while supporters hugged him, the debates continued due to their cost in the midst of the club’s economic struggles.
Outside the pitch, his personality has strongly resonated. He described Brazil as the “mecca of football” and expressed admiration for the energy of the country. He immersed himself in the local scene, recording an album with MC Hariel called Falando as Favela, including a song dedicated to Corinthian fans. He also visited disadvantaged communities near São Paulo, saying that even short conversations could inspire change.
The talisman of the national team
DEPAY International History began in the 2014 World Cup, when it marked twice the Netherlands He finished third. After staying in Eindhoven to win the domestic title, he joined Manchester United at the age of 21 under Louis Van Gaal.
Wayne Rooney, his former teammate, reminded him of talented and worker, though sometimes ostentatious. His time in England gave seven goals and five assists in 53 games before a move under the direction of José Mourinho.
His national career, however, has been defined by consistency. Under Van Gaal and Koeman, he has become the highest scorer in the Netherlands with 52 goals, surpassing Robin Van Persie and sitting ten ahead of Klaas-Jan Huntelaar. Thirty-seven of these strikes occurred during the Koeman and Van Gaal possession.
The designer Arsenio Lopez found inspiration in the tattoo and charisma of the Depay Lion in creating the 2022 World Cup kit in the Netherlands. On the pitch, Depay scored in the last 16 victory over the USA in Qatar. In Euro 2024, he started all parties before the injuries forced him during a painful semifinals defeat in England.
Legacy in the form of individuality
Depay’s trip has not been conventional. He has sailed through European power stations, has adopted analytical thinking to redirect his career, the broken score records for his country and immersed themselves in the culture of Brazilian football.
Koeman summarized his enduring relationship by describing a “slightly stronger” bond than usual. Although the next qualifying against Malta on the bench may begin, his arrival was delayed due to a stolen passport, his place in the history of Dutch football is safe.
