Memphis Depay has caused controversy on and off the pitch after speaking out against a recent decision issued by the CBF, the governing body for football in Brazil. The Dutch striker, now playing for Corinthians, protested against a new regulation that punishes players for a certain gesture of flair, which he used in a critical match.
The controversy stems from an incident that unfolded during the closing moments of the Paulista A1 final on March 28, when Corinthians faced off against Palmeiras. In the dying minutes of the match, Depay—known for his confidence and creative play—stood on the ball near the corner flag, a gesture often interpreted as showboating or taunting. Having pretended to create a cross into the box before halting play with both feet on the ball, the action instantly attracted anger from Palmeiras players. What had started as a showy moment was soon turned into pandemonium.
A furious melee erupted between the two teams, resulting in a mass brawl that necessitated the intervention of referees and a prolonged VAR check. The consequences were severe. Palmeiras’ backup goalkeeper Marcelo Lomba and Corinthians’ midfielder Jose Martinez were red carded for taking part in the brawl, and officials added over 18 minutes of stoppage time because of the interruption to the game.
The CBF acted quickly in response. Only days later, the federation sent out a notice to Brazilian clubs announcing that standing on the ball with both feet would henceforth be deemed unsportsmanlike conduct. Referees from now on will have to give a yellow card to any player who does the move and give the opposing team an indirect free-kick. The CBF claimed that they represented such displays as “provocation to an adversary and disrespects the sport,” which triggered strong reaction from players and fans.
The decision hit Depay on a personal level, extending beyond the field—it pierced at the cultural core of Brazilian football. On social media site X (formerly Twitter), the 31-year-old forward did not mince words about his disappointment.
“I actually traveled to Brazil in order to experience Jogo Bonito [the beautiful game] firsthand but now the CBF announced yesterday that no player is allowed to stand on the ball or the player will be issued a yellow card,” Depay posted.
“Not that it is such a big issue in football but I don’t get the problem here. There is so much ability over here. The passion and joy in the manner of expression on the field shouldn’t be restricted.
In his opinion, Brazilian football has been a platform for expression, creativity, and flair for a long time. From Ronaldinho’s rubbery dribbles to Neymar’s cheeky flicks, the nation’s footballing ethos has been based on carefree unpredictability. Depay wondered if the powers that be at the top really know the spirit they are now trying to control.
“I can only wonder what the board of the CBF is. Who’s making the decisions about the destiny of this lovely football nation?” he continued.
“Let’s concentrate on what rules can make the game better and concentrate on the business of the football – what serves the clubs the fans and players rather than this ridiculous announcements.”
Depay’s feelings were not unique. Before long, his words started making the rounds, Neymar himself, no stranger to controversy or flamboyant football, had his say on Instagram. Santos forward Neymar did not say much but left a stinging message: “football is getting more and more boring.”.
To some, the CBF’s move marks a trend for sanitizing the game on an international level by removing the personalities and panache that make football so fascinating. Those in support of the change say that pranks such as standing on the ball are respectful, particularly during close games. They feel those actions can infuriate and get people violent—just as allegedly happened in Palmeiras.
But critics believe football’s progress shouldn’t be at the expense of its art. Prohibiting such a symbolic act, they claim, not only suppresses arrogance but reduces the very element that attracts millions to the game: unpredictability, emotion, and magic.
The irony is not lost on those familiar with Brazil’s glorious footballing heritage. The term “Jogo Bonito” was not coined in vain—it is a national ethos, a determination to play well rather than merely to win. And although the game has grown more commercialized and mechanized over the years, there are still those who view Brazil as the last remaining stronghold of truly expressive football.
Depay, who had arrived at Corinthians in 2024, entered Brazil hoping to sink into the culture of football down here. An individual his whole career distinguished by flashes of greatness and of madness, clearly felt that he would find here his ideal environment in which to exert his energies. But rules like these that came into action force him today to wonder whether something of that quintessential quality is being risked.
Depay’s insistence on the ball as the trouble started has already been a highlight moment that could prove to represent a wider struggle between originality and conformity in sport today. Whether or not the CBF will reconsider the decision is unknown, but the debate it has sparked is likely to have a wide-ranging influence beyond the Brazilian league.
Players such as Neymar and Depay are still utilizing their pulpits to vent their frustrations at present. Fans are also left wondering whether the beautiful anarchy that used to define the beautiful game is still a possibility in an increasingly disciplined and controlled society.
