Former Manchester United forwardMemphis Depay has been handed a four-month suspended prison sentence and a two-year driving ban after being found guilty of drink-driving in Monaco. The Dutch international, now playing for Corinthians in Brazil, was stopped by the police in August 2024 while driving his luxury Rolls Royce, where he exceeded Monaco’s legal alcohol limit.
PORTO ALEGRE, BRAZIL – DECEMBER 8: Memphis Depay of Corinthians reacts during the match between Gremio and Corinthians as part of Brasileirao 2024 at Arena do Gremio on December 8, 2024 in Porto Alegre, Brazil. (Photo by Pedro H. Tesch/Getty Images)
According to court reports, Memphis Depay’sblood alcohol concentration was 1.01 per millilitre, well over the permissible limit. As a result, the Monaco court fined him €9,000 (£7,500) alongside the suspended jail term and driving restrictions.
Memphis Depay’s Public Apology – Taking Responsibility
Following the court ruling, Memphis Depay took to Instagram to issue a public apology, acknowledging his mistake and vowing to learn from it:
“Last summer during my holidays in Monaco, I made a mistake and decided to drive home after having some drinks in a restaurant. I should’ve got in a taxi instead, but I didn’t. I want to apologise and take full responsibility for my actions. 2024 was a year of lessons, and I will definitely learn from this one. 2025 we will do better.”
SAO PAULO, BRAZIL – DECEMBER 3: Memphis Depay (L) of Corinthians celebrates with Andre Carrillo of Corinthians after scoring the team´s first goal during the Brasileirao 2024 match between Corinthians and Bahia at Neo Quimica Arena on December 3, 2024 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. (Photo by Ricardo Moreira/Getty Images)
The 30-year-old forward’s admission reflects a willingness to own up to his actions, but questions remain about his professionalism and future career prospects following this controversy.
A Rocky Career Path – From Man United to Corinthians
Depay’s football journey has been anything but smooth. After rising to stardom at PSV Eindhoven, he made a high-profile move to Manchester United in 2015, where he struggled to make an impact, scoring only two Premier League goals before leaving for Lyon.
BARCELONA, SPAIN – AUGUST 08: Memphis Depay FC Barcelona celebrates scoring his side’s first goal during the Joan Gamper Trophy match between FC Barcelona and Juventus at Estadi Johan Cruyff on August 08, 2021 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)
A move to Barcelona in 2021 followed, but he failed to cement a long-term role and later joined Atletico Madrid for a brief stint. In October 2024, Depay made a surprising decision to join Brazilian club Corinthians, citing a desire to reconnect with his passion for football:
“Why I signed is very simple for me. I grew up in the Netherlands with African roots, know the competitions in Europe, and played for many teams. But as I got older, I asked myself: What can I do to become happier? That is staying close to my feeling. Everything in my life serves a purpose. This adventure made my heart happy.”
Since arriving in Brazil, Memphis Depay has been in solid form, scoring seven goals in 18 appearances across all competitions. His next big test comes when Corinthians face Palmeiras on Thursday night, a match that could further define his impact at the club.
SAO PAULO, BRAZIL – DECEMBER 3: Memphis Depay of Corinthians celebrates after scoring the team´s first goal during the Brasileirao 2024 match between Corinthians and Bahia at Neo Quimica Arena on December 3, 2024 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. (Photo by Ricardo Moreira/Getty Images)
What’s Next for Memphis Depay?
While Depay’s on-field performances have been promising, his recent drink-driving conviction could cast a shadow over his future. The suspended sentence means he avoids immediate jail time, but a repeat offense could lead to serious consequences.
With Corinthians fans backing him, and Depay’s determination to bounce back, the coming months will be crucial in defining the next chapter of his football career.
