Dutch forward Memphis Depay, currently playing for Corinthians, has been sentenced by the Monaco Criminal Court to four months in prison with a suspended sentence for driving under the influence of alcohol. The incident occurred on August 6, 2024, when Depay was caught driving a Rolls-Royce at high speed and recklessly on the streets of the Principality. The police stopped him in Place d’Armes, one of Monaco’s busiest areas, where a breathalyzer test revealed a reading of 1.01 mg of alcohol per liter of exhaled air, significantly exceeding the legal limit. In addition to the suspended prison sentence, the player received a fine of €9,000 (approximately R$54,000) and had his driving license suspended in Monaco for two years.
Depay did not attend the trial and has two weeks to appeal the sentence, although there are no signs that he will take this step. The player’s absence from the hearing suggests a possible attempt to avoid media attention, but the court upheld the conviction based on the presented evidence. This case raises discussions about the conduct of high-level athletes when faced with legal infractions, particularly those that endanger public safety.
The situation arises at a crucial moment in the player’s trajectory at Corinthians, where he arrived in September 2024 and signed a contract until July 2026. The Dutchman was one of the club’s biggest signings of the season, with a total investment estimated at R$82 million, including salaries and benefits.
???? Memphis Depay has been given a suspended prison sentence by the Monaco justice system. ⚖️????
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) February 5, 2025
This is because he was arrested for drunk driving in the summer of 2024. His blood alcohol level was 1.01 mg/l while driving a Rolls-Royce. ????????
(Source: @Nice_Matin) pic.twitter.com/8XNKWTzyLC
Depay’s trajectory before joining Corinthians
Memphis Depay began his career at PSV Eindhoven in the Netherlands, quickly standing out as one of Europe’s top young football talents. At just 21, he transferred to Manchester United, where he struggled to establish himself and faced criticism from fans and the English media. In 2017, he moved to Olympique Lyonnais, where he rediscovered his best form and became a key player for the French club.
At Barcelona, Depay had a promising start, but changes in the club’s management and financial restructuring led to his departure in 2023. Atlético Madrid was his last European club before joining Corinthians, a move that surprised many experts given the competitiveness of the European market.
The impact of the conviction on the player’s career
Depay’s conviction in Monaco has sparked reactions in both Brazil and Europe. Corinthians has not yet officially defined its stance on the matter, but incidents like this can strain the player’s relationship with the club and its fans. In recent years, Corinthians’ management has adopted a stricter approach regarding the conduct of its athletes, and disciplinary cases can lead to warnings or internal sanctions.
The case also reignites the debate over football players’ behavior off the pitch. Historically, many renowned athletes have faced legal issues due to drunk driving, resulting in fines, license suspensions, and, in some cases, bans from competitions.
Legal consequences of the offense in Monaco
Monaco has one of the strictest traffic laws in Europe. Punishments for driving under the influence range from heavy fines to prison sentences, depending on the level of intoxication and the circumstances of the offense. In Depay’s case, the recorded alcohol level far exceeded the legal limit, justifying the suspended sentence and the high fine.
The player is now banned from driving in Monaco for the next two years, meaning any future trips to the country will require alternative transportation. Although he currently resides in Brazil, he may need to visit Monaco for personal or professional commitments, making this restriction significant.
Similar cases in international football
Several high-profile players have faced legal issues due to drunk driving. Some of the most notorious cases include:
- Wayne Rooney (2017): The former Manchester United player was arrested in England and had his driving license suspended for two years.
- Arturo Vidal (2015): During the Copa América in Chile, the midfielder crashed a Ferrari and was detained by local police.
- Karim Benzema (2013): The French striker received a heavy fine in Spain for speeding and driving under the influence.
These cases demonstrate that fame and success in football do not exempt players from facing legal consequences when committing offenses.
Corinthians’ fans reaction and expectations for the season
Memphis Depay’s conviction has elicited mixed reactions among Corinthians fans. Some believe the case should not interfere with his performance on the pitch, while others fear that the situation could affect his form and the club’s image.
The striker had a promising start at the São Paulo club, scoring seven goals in his first 14 matches. However, in 2025, he has yet to find the back of the net in four games, increasing the pressure for a turnaround.
Depay’s performance at Corinthians in numbers
- 14 matches played since joining the club.
- 7 goals scored, including four in the Brazilian Championship and three in the Copa do Brasil.
- No goals in 2025, with four goalless matches.
- Contract valid until July 2026, with an estimated cost of R$82 million.
What happens next?
Memphis Depay still has the legal right to appeal the sentence, but so far, there are no indications that he will do so. If the conviction is upheld, he will have to comply with Monaco’s legal rulings, including the two-year driving ban.
Corinthians has yet to release an official statement regarding the case, and it remains to be seen whether the club will take any disciplinary action against the player.
