Memphis Depay Scrolls Through His Phone On Touchline; Team Members Scold | WATCH

Last Updated:March 24, 2026, 6:48 PM IST

Memphis Depay explains his viral phone use during Corinthians vs Flamengo, saying he was contacting medical staff amid injury concerns ahead of the international break.

Memphis Depay caught scrolling through his phone on the bench after being subbed out from action for Corinthians (Screengrabs from X)

Memphis Depay has cleared the air after being caught on camera using his phone during Corinthians’ clash with Flamengo.

The Dutch forward was forced off just 22 minutes into the first half after playing a key role in Corinthians’ opening goal.

He initiated the attacking move before sitting down and signalling for a substitution, with Rodrigo Garro coming on in his place.

But it was what followed that grabbed attention.

Instead of heading straight to the dressing room, Depay chose to remain pitchside in the dugout to support his teammates.

However, TV cameras soon caught him scrolling on his phone, prompting visible frustration from club staff, who appeared to caution him, knowing the optics wouldn’t look great on broadcast.

‘Purely Professional’

After the match, Depay addressed the situation head-on, insisting there was no lack of focus or discipline behind the moment.

“Just to clarify, my moment with the phone was purely to communicate with the medical staff in the Netherlands at that moment,” he explained.

“I came outside to show support to my team, while I could’ve stayed inside the dressing room with the injury. I’m upset with the result of the game as well, but we keep working for better days.”

The match itself ended 1-1, with Flamengo battling back despite a controversial red card shown to Evertton Araujo. The result leaves Flamengo on 14 points in the Brasileirão standings.

Injury Concerns Grow

Depay’s explanation also sheds light on a bigger concern: his fitness ahead of the international break.

Now 32, the Netherlands’ all-time top scorer (55 goals), Depay is expected to miss upcoming World Cup warm-up fixtures, with head coach Ronald Koeman already hinting at his likely absence.

He joins a growing injury list that includes Frenkie de Jong, Matthijs de Ligt, Justin Kluivert, and others.

Despite the setback, Depay’s impact in Brazil remains undeniable. Since joining Corinthians in September 2024, he has racked up 20 goals and 15 assists in 77 appearances.

(with agency inputs)

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