Clarence Seedorf, coach of Memphis Depay at the KNVB, considers a dual role
Clarence Seedorf, the former Dutch international, signed a contract on Sunday with Sport Club Corinthians to become the coach of Memphis Depay, while the KNVB is now discussing whether his new role can be combined with his position on the board of supervisors.
Contract and succession
Seedorf signed an agreement that runs until the end of 2027 and takes the place of Fernando Diniz, who left earlier this week after disappointing results. The deal was announced with a photo of Seedorf, © NurPhoto via Getty Images. The contract provides a permanent appointment without a specific bonus for avoiding relegation.
Seedorf within the KNVB
Since 2023, Seedorf has been a member of the board of supervisors of the KNVB, where he manages the portfolio of football technical matters. Recently he has held negotiations with the candidate national team coaches Xavi Hernández and Michael Reiziger. Previously, KNVB commissioner Han Berger combined his role with an advisory position at Sydney FC.
Corinthians' situation and OTB details
Corinthians currently sit in 16th place in the Brasileirão, one point above the relegation threat, and have recently suffered seven consecutive defeats. OTB Sports reported that Seedorf initially had talks about a three‑year contract with another Brazilian top club from January 2027, but he chose Corinthians. The agreement runs until December 2027 and the bonuses are linked to sporting performance, without a specific premium for preventing a drop to Serie B.
The club plays Sunday against Palmeiras at 17:30, with interim coach William Batista in charge. Seedorf will arrive in Brazil in the coming days and will make his debut on October 19 against Vitória in the Neo Química Arena, during the 31st round of the national championship.
As a player, Seedorf made his professional debut for Ajax in 1992 at 16 years and 242 days old, after which he won the Champions League with Ajax (1995), Real Madrid and AC Milan, making him the only one to have won the title with three different clubs. He ended his playing career at Botafogo in 2012‑2013, and now returns as a coach in Brazil.