In a dramatic conclusion to the Campeonato Paulista, Memphis Depay helped Corinthians secure their first title in six years, but not without igniting a chaotic brawl that overshadowed the match. The final, held on March 28, 2025, saw Corinthians defend a 1-0 lead from the first leg against fierce rivals Palmeiras, ultimately finishing the second leg in a goalless draw.
Corinthians, having taken the lead in the first leg, needed to maintain their advantage at home to clinch the trophy. The atmosphere was electric as both teams took to the pitch, with fans eagerly anticipating the outcome of this storied rivalry. As the clock wound down, it was Memphis Depay, the former Manchester United star, who became the focal point of the evening’s drama.
In the closing moments of the match, Depay received the ball near the corner flag and, in a moment of showboating, stood on it with both feet. This audacious display infuriated the Palmeiras players, leading to a mass confrontation. Players from both sides rushed in, resulting in a melee that saw officials struggling to restore order.
Tempers flared as the brawl escalated, and the match officials were forced to issue four red cards throughout the chaotic finale. Corinthians defender Felix Torres was sent off for two yellow cards with just 15 minutes remaining, while Palmeiras coach Abel Ferreira received his marching orders shortly after expressing his outrage over a penalty decision.
The tension reached its peak when Palmeiras was awarded a penalty in the 68th minute after Torres fouled Vitor Roque. However, the opportunity to level the match was squandered when Palmeiras captain Raphael Veiga missed the spot kick, keeping Corinthians in the lead.
As the fracas continued, both Corinthians midfielder Jose Martinez and Palmeiras goalkeeper Marcelo Lomba were dismissed after a VAR review, despite neither being on the pitch at the time of the incident. The officials added an astonishing 16 minutes of stoppage time to the clock as the chaos unfolded. Ultimately, Corinthians held on to their aggregate lead, securing their 31st title and their first since 2019.
Despite his controversial antics, Depay has much to celebrate, as he is set to receive a significant share of the title bonus—€760,000 out of a total of €800,000. This victory marks the fifth title of his career, a noteworthy achievement nearly a decade after his less-than-stellar stint at Manchester United.
Depay joined Corinthians from Atletico Madrid in September 2024 and has had a mixed start to his time in Brazil, scoring just two goals in 16 games this year. However, his contributions in securing the Campeonato Paulista title will undoubtedly bolster his status among the Corinthians faithful.
As the dust settles on this chaotic final, Corinthians now turn their attention to their upcoming league opener against Bahia on March 31, 2025. With the title secured, the team will look to build on this momentum as they embark on the new season, hoping to showcase their talents and perhaps add more silverware to their collection.
While the brawl and red cards may have stolen the headlines, the real story is the resilience of Corinthians as they ended a six-year trophy drought. The match exemplified the fierce passion of Brazilian football, where rivalries run deep and emotions often boil over. As for Depay, this title could serve as a turning point in his career, allowing him to finally shine in a league that has embraced his flair and creativity.
In the aftermath of the match, fans will undoubtedly be discussing the events of the final for weeks to come. The spectacle of Brazilian football remains unmatched, and this encounter between Corinthians and Palmeiras will be remembered as one of the most chaotic in recent history.
As the new season approaches, all eyes will be on Memphis Depay and Corinthians as they aim to build on their recent success and continue their quest for glory in Brazilian football.
