diff --git a/src/modules/module-protocol-pulse/pulse-server.c b/src/modules/module-protocol-pulse/pulse-server.c
index c390471aa..5bc8f4537 100644
--- a/src/modules/module-protocol-pulse/pulse-server.c
+++ b/src/modules/module-protocol-pulse/pulse-server.c
@@ -2665,8 +2665,8 @@ static void pending_sample_free(struct pending_sample *ps)
 {
 	spa_list_remove(&ps->link);
 	spa_hook_remove(&ps->listener);
-	sample_play_destroy(ps->play);
 	ps->client->ref--;
+	sample_play_destroy(ps->play);
 }
 
 static void sample_play_ready(void *data, uint32_t index)