Forward Memphis Depay scored the second goal in Corinthians’ 2-0 victory over Grêmio, this Sunday (2), at Neo Química Arena, in the 31st round of the Brazilian Championship. The Dutchman ended a three-month fast without finding the net for Timão, a period marked by injuries and debates about his performance. The match took place in São Paulo, with the black and white team gaining important points in the fight for a place in the Libertadores.
Depay, 31, took over the Dutch national team’s top scorer with four goals in four games in the European Qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. At the club, he has accumulated 16 goals and 14 assists since September 2024. Coach Dorival Júnior praised the player’s versatility, who acted as a pivot in key moments.
The victory elevated Corinthians to 10th place, with 42 points, five below the G-6. The team is now targeting the semi-finals of the Copa do Brasil against Cruzeiro, on December 10th and 14th.
- Depay’s main numbers in 2025 for Timão: nine goals and 10 assists in 43 games.
- Contributions in knockout stages: 10 goal contributions in 15 matches.
- Time lost due to injuries: around 50 days, including grade 2 in the right thigh and edema in the same region.
Timão beats Grêmio at home in the 31st round of the Brasileirão 2025. 🏴🏳️
At the Neo Química Arena, Corinthians beat the Gaucho team 2-0 on the scoreboard.
Read more 👉🏾 https://t.co/Rm0Yp8jR71#VaiCorinthians pic.twitter.com/q7bN8FIwKf
— Corinthians (@Corinthians) November 3, 2025
Post-game statements reveal Dutchman’s discomfort
Memphis Depay expressed irritation with questions about the disparity between his performance at Corinthians and the Netherlands national team. He argued that the teams differ in composition and playing style, calling for exclusive focus on the São Paulo club.
The player highlighted the greater demand for the ball at Oranje, where he plays with teammates who constantly look for him in attack. At Timão, he mentioned adaptations to a more intense and physical calendar.
History of injuries impacts club performance
Muscle injuries sidelined Depay for seven games between July and October, contributing to his goal drought. The first occurrence, a grade 2 strain on the back of the right thigh, required 21 days of recovery. Subsequently, edema in the same area prolonged the absence for almost a month. These setbacks limited his participation in nine goalless matches for Corinthians.
Adapting to Brazilian football requires more physical effort
The Dutchman compared the intensity of the Brasileirão to the European one, noting greater physical demand in Timão’s daily life. He emphasized that, despite differences, he remains calm and prioritizes collective victories. Depay adminmade a gradual return after injuries, focusing on contributions beyond goals, such as assists. His experience in Brazil, which began in 2024, includes the Campeonato Paulista title, but he is looking for more achievements.
Contrasting numbers between club and national team
During the goalless period at Corinthians, Depay shone for the Netherlands, becoming the team’s all-time top scorer. He played 251 minutes in four qualifying games, scoring in all of them. For Timão, in the last two months, there were 221 minutes in five commitments, with appearances as a substitute in three. This data illustrates the variations in minutes and opportunities between the two realities.
Perspectives for the final stretch of the season
Depay’s contract with Corinthians runs until July 2026, and he avoided discussing renewal, prioritizing the remaining games. The team needs victories to reach the top of the Brasileirão and advance in the Copa do Brasil. Dorival Júnior plans to further explore Depay’s positioning as a reference in attack. He has already surpassed the numbers from his first six months at the club in 2025.
Contributions beyond goals at Timão
Assists have totaled 14 since his arrival, leading the squad this season. In knockout stages, his decisive actions helped in key classifications. Depay praised the confidence brought by recent victories, with the team unbeaten in three games. The focus now falls on the match against Cruzeiro, decisive for a place in the Libertadores.
