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Memphis Depay Becomes Netherlands’ Top Scorer In World Cup Qualifying Win
On Sunday evening, Memphis Depay wrote his name into Dutch football history by scoring his 51st international goal for the Netherlands.
With that strike, the Corinthians forward surpassed Robin van Persie’s long-standing record of 50 goals, officially becoming the all-time top scorer for the Oranje.
Breaking the Record
Depay had been chasing Van Persie’s record for months. Back in June, he equalled the Dutch legend’s tally of 50 goals with a brace against Malta, setting the stage for his inevitable climb to the top.
Despite failing to find the net against Poland earlier in the week, Memphis finally struck gold in the World Cup qualifier against Lithuania.
It wasn’t just an ordinary goal it was vintage Depay. Rising acrobatically to meet Cody Gakpo’s cross, the striker’s finish was as emphatic as the milestone it represented.
The entire nation celebrated as Depay moved clear of Van Persie, a player he once shared the international stage with.
The Journey to the Top
Memphis Depay’s international journey began under Louis van Gaal in November 2013, when he made his debut in a World Cup qualifier against Turkey. His first goals came the following summer at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, where he scored against Australia and Chile, showing his flair on the biggest stage.
His career trajectory, however, wasn’t always straightforward. After Van Persie retired from international football in 2017, the Dutch team entered a transitional phase.
Missing out on EURO 2016 and the 2018 World Cup was a major blow, but it was during this difficult period that Depay truly came into his own.
Shifting from a left-winger to a central striker, Memphis found his rhythm in front of the goal. The move unlocked a new level in his game: in his first 15 appearances as the focal point of the attack, he scored eight goals matching the tally from his first 35 caps.
Record-Breaking Feats
Depay’s impact has been both consistent and historic. In 2021, he scored an astonishing 17 goals in a single calendar year, more than any other Dutch international had ever managed.
That record-breaking year included two strikes at EURO 2020, cementing his status as the team’s talisman.
Beyond goals, Memphis has also been a creator. Against Poland earlier in the week, he equalled Wesley Sneijder’s all-time assists record, showing his importance not just as a finisher but also as a playmaker.
Joining the Centurion Club
In March 2025, during the UEFA Nations League quarter-final clash against Spain, Depay earned his 100th cap for the Netherlands.
Though the game ended in disappointment with a penalty shootout loss, the occasion was historic. Memphis became just the tenth Dutch player to reach the century mark a testament to his longevity and consistency at the highest level.
From Van Persie to Depay
Depay’s new record continues a proud tradition of legendary Dutch forwards. Before him, Robin van Persie set the benchmark in 2013 with a hat-trick against Hungary, overtaking Patrick Kluivert’s 42-goal tally.
Each generation has produced its own star, and now the mantle firmly belongs to Memphis.
What makes his achievement even more remarkable is the resilience behind it. From a promising youngster at PSV, a testing spell at Manchester United, to rediscovering himself at Lyon and beyond, Depay’s journey mirrors his character: persistence, flair, and the refusal to give up.
The Legacy of Memphis Depay
At 31 years old, Depay is not done yet. With his goals, assists, and leadership, he remains the heartbeat of the Dutch national team. His record-breaking exploits will inspire the next generation of Dutch star players like Cody Gakpo and Xavi Simons, who now have a living legend in their ranks.
