Memphis Depay and the Most Expensive Missed Penalty in Corinthians and Copa Libertadores History

Memphis Depay had the chance to save Corinthians against Estudiantes, but sent his penalty into the stands. The miss came just weeks after a multimillion-dollar renewal that is now under scrutiny.

Memphis Depay Had Qualification at His Feet

Memphis Depay went from having the perfect opportunity to rescue Corinthians to becoming the protagonist of a painful elimination in the Copa Libertadores. With the game against Estudiantes de La Plata practically over, the Brazilian side was awarded a penalty that could have completely changed the outcome of the tie and sent it to a penalty shootout.

The player entrusted with taking it was the footballer Corinthians has made one of its biggest financial investments in recent years. Depay took his position, composed himself and looked for a powerful strike to beat Fernando Muslera. The problem was that the shot sailed too high and ended up directly in the stands.

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The Multimillion-Dollar Contract Now Under the Spotlight

Just weeks after completing his contract renewal, Memphis Depay missed the penalty that could have kept Corinthians alive in South America's premier club competition.

The contract extension was a massive financial operation. The new deal could reach close to $27.7 million, while other estimates put the total cost above $25 million.

The agreement includes his salary, bonuses, commissions and other accumulated financial obligations. One of the factors that significantly increased the cost was a debt related to image rights, which Corinthians decided to pay gradually as part of the new contract.

Since joining the club in September 2024, Depay has become one of the most important players in the squad and has played a direct role in several of the team's successes.

A Troubled Record Against Argentine Clubs

Memphis Depay has repeatedly struggled against Argentine clubs since joining Corinthians. The Dutch forward has recorded one win, three draws and five losses against teams from Argentina while wearing the Timao shirt. He has provided three assists in those matches, but has yet to score a goal.

Corinthians were eliminated by Racing in the 2024 Sudamericana, then struggled against Huracán in the 2025 Libertadores group stage before falling to Platense in this year's competition.

Now Estudiantes joins that list after surviving in one of the toughest venues in South American soccer.

Can Memphis Depay Turn the Story Around?

With their Libertadores campaign over, the club will now have to focus on the Brasileirão, where they still have objectives to pursue.

Depay arrived at Corinthians carrying major expectations and has so far recorded 20 goals and 16 assists in 85 appearances, while also winning three trophies with the club: a Paulista title, a Copa do Brasil and a Brazilian Super Cup. Those numbers show that his spell in Brazil cannot be defined solely by one miss and the multimillion-dollar investment behind his continued stay.