Memphis Depay is pleased with his key role for Corinthians in the match against Sport Recife. The Dutchman scored twice to secure a victory in the Série A. The first game after the dismissal of Ramón Díaz immediately brought three points. If it’s up to Memphis, many more will follow.
Memphis Depay played a decisive role in Corinthians' 2-1 victory over Sport Recife, scoring both goals and reminding fans and critics alike why the Brazilian club was so eager to bring him to São Paulo.
His performance was not only instrumental in securing three valuable points in the Série A but also served as a statement of intent following a turbulent start to the season. It was a moment of hope and direction after weeks of instability and doubt both on and off the pitch.
The match marked the beginning of a new chapter for Corinthians, who earlier in the week parted ways with manager Ramón Díaz. The Argentine coach had come under increasing pressure after a disappointing run that saw the team collect just four points from their opening four matches. More than the poor results, it was the lack of a clear tactical identity and Memphis’s subtle but firm criticism of the system that accelerated the decision. The Dutch star had publicly expressed his dissatisfaction with the team's structure and their struggle to play assertive, attacking football something he feels is crucial to a team with Corinthians’ ambition and stature.
With the manager gone, all eyes turned to how the team would respond and Memphis delivered. Against Sport Recife, he didn’t just play well; he led by example. His first goal was a display of composure and instinct in front of goal, while the second showed his ability to make decisive runs and apply the finishing touch. The brace not only won the match but also seemed to lift the entire squad. For fans at the Neo Química Arena, it was a performance that reawakened belief that this team could still challenge for something meaningful this season.
Speaking to O Globo after the match, Memphis didn’t hide his ambition. "I'm happy," he said, “but I would be even happier if we kept winning more. I'm a winner. We need to get used to winning more often. I'm very happy in Brazil just look at how players are treated here. But I came to Corinthians to win trophies.” His words were a mix of satisfaction and challenge a message to his teammates, to the club’s leadership, and perhaps to future opponents: this is only the beginning.
His passion for winning is something that has followed him throughout his career. Whether at PSV, Manchester United, Lyon, or the Dutch national team, Memphis has always been vocal about the importance of ambition. At Corinthians, he sees a platform and a fanbase worthy of major success. And he has made it clear that personal satisfaction is secondary to lifting silverware.
The timing of this result couldn’t be better for Corinthians. After losing ground early in the season, the team desperately needed a spark to get back on track. The win over Sport Recife may not solve all of their issues, but it could prove to be a turning point. Confidence breeds results, and with Memphis finding his rhythm, the squad may now begin to build the momentum they’ve been lacking.
The club's front office also faces a crucial period, as they must now decide who will take the reins permanently. While interim solutions may buy some time, the choice of manager will be vital in sustaining Memphis’s motivation and maximizing the talent across the roster. The Dutchman thrives under a progressive, attacking setup, and any future coach will need to build a system that brings out the best in him.
Memphis’s leadership, both on and off the field, has also not gone unnoticed. At just 30 years old, he brings a wealth of experience and a commanding presence. He speaks with honesty and clarity, qualities that resonate with younger teammates and offer stability in moments of transition. For many at Corinthians, he is quickly becoming more than just a marquee signing he is a leader, a driving force, and a symbol of what the club aspires to become.
"This result is very important," he added after the match. "We want to compete at the top, and that means we need to win more matches. Lately, we’ve been dropping too many points." The message is clear: the standard must rise. If Corinthians are to return to the summit of Brazilian football, it will require consistency, hunger, and performances like the one Memphis delivered against Sport Recife.
Looking ahead, the challenge now is to build on this momentum. The calendar is unforgiving, and the competition in the Série A is fierce. But if Memphis continues to perform at this level and if the team rallies behind the spirit he’s bringing Corinthians may yet rewrite the narrative of their season.
It was only one match, but it felt like more. It felt like a beginning.
