Memphis Depay has made history by becoming the all-time leading scorer for the Netherlands national football team, notching two pivotal goals during their World Cup qualifying match against Lithuania. This remarkable achievement not only exemplifies his talent but also solidifies his standing in Dutch football lore.
At 31 years old, Depay is currently competing in Brazil with Corinthians. He got the scoring underway with a well-placed finish, redirecting a low cross delivered by teammate Cody Gakpo into the net. This goal represented a significant milestone in his career, as it was his 51st international goal, propelling him past the former record held by his fellow Dutch player, Robin van Persie.
As the match continued, Depay’s performance only grew more impressive. He scored another goal to clinch the victory—a commanding header that stemmed from a beautifully lofted cross by Denzel Dumfries, marking his total to 52 goals in 104 caps for the national squad. This accomplishment underscores Depay’s exceptional skill and consistency on the international stage, further enriching his legacy.
Prior to Depay’s achievements, Robin van Persie held the record for the most goals scored for the Netherlands, having netted 50 times during his career spanning from 2005 to 2017 in 102 appearances. Depay’s journey through various prestigious clubs—including PSV Eindhoven, Manchester United, Olympique Lyonnais, FC Barcelona, and Atlético Madrid—before his recent transfer to Brazil highlights his growth as a player and his ability to perform at the highest levels of competition.
Depay made his debut for the Netherlands in 2013 during a match against Turkey and celebrated his first international goal at the 2014 World Cup held in Brazil, where he scored against Australia. This initial success laid the groundwork for a prolific career, one that has now culminated in him becoming the top scorer in the history of Dutch football.
Following their thrilling victory in Kaunas, the Netherlands now leads Group G, amassing an impressive 10 points from four matches. The game itself was a rollercoaster, with Lithuania—a team that ranks at 143rd in the FIFA standings—making a surprising comeback from being down 2-0 to tie the score at 2-2 by halftime. This moment was particularly significant, as it marked the first time the lowest-ranked team in FIFA history managed to score against the Dutch, showcasing the unpredictable nature of football and the resilience of underdog teams in the international arena.
52 ⚽ Memphis Depay (104 games)
50 ⚽ Robin van Persie (102)
42 ⚽ Klaas-Jan Huntelaar (76)
40 ⚽ Patrick Kluivert (79)
37 ⚽ Dennis Bergkamp (79)
37 ⚽ Arjen Robben (96)
35 ⚽ Ruud van Nistelrooy (70)
33 ⚽ Abe Lenstra (47)
33 ⚽ Johan Cruyff (48)1
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