Memphis Depay Becomes Netherlands’ Top Scorer

Depay Breaks Dutch Scoring Record in Lithuania

Memphis Depay has reached a historic milestone for the Netherlands, becoming the national team’s all-time leading goalscorer. The 31-year-old forward achieved this on September 8, 2025, during a tense World Cup qualifying match against Lithuania in Kaunas, where he found the net twice in a 3-2 victory.

Surpassing a Dutch Legend

Depay’s brace in Kaunas elevated his international tally to 52 goals, allowing him to surpass Robin van Persie’s previous record of 50 goals for the Oranje. His first goal came early, giving the Netherlands a crucial lead in the 11th minute. Later, with the match finely balanced, Depay delivered again in the 63rd minute, scoring what would become the match-winning goal. This double not only secured three vital points for his team but also cemented his legacy in Dutch football history.

Memorable Night for the Oranje

The World Cup qualifier proved to be more than just another match. With the stakes high and the Netherlands aiming to secure their place in the next World Cup, every goal mattered. Depay’s opening strike set the tone, but Lithuania fought back, keeping the contest alive. The Dutch side, however, demonstrated resilience, and Depay’s second goal provided the decisive edge. The final whistle confirmed both the win and Depay’s new status as the Netherlands’ all-time top scorer.

Van Persie’s Record Surpassed

Robin van Persie, a Dutch football icon, held the scoring record for years, having netted 50 goals for his country between 2005 and 2017. Depay’s journey to the top has been marked by consistency and determination, as he steadily climbed the scoring charts since making his debut in 2013. Surpassing Van Persie is a testament to Depay’s longevity and importance to the national team.

Team Performance Under Scrutiny

Despite the jubilation surrounding Depay’s achievement, the Dutch team’s overall performance was met with criticism. Captain Virgil van Dijk did not mince words in his post-match interview, describing the team’s play as “bad” and “sloppy.” Van Dijk’s candid remarks highlighted concerns about defensive lapses and a lack of control during key moments of the match, emphasizing the need for improvement as the World Cup qualifying campaign progresses.

Group G Standings and World Cup Hopes

The victory over Lithuania propelled the Netherlands to the top of Group G, amassing 10 points from four matches. This strong position enhances their prospects of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but the team is aware that tougher tests lie ahead. Consistency and focus will be crucial as they face stronger opponents in the remaining qualifiers.

Depay’s Club Career: A New Chapter in Brazil

While Depay’s exploits for the national team have made headlines, his club career has also taken an interesting turn. He currently plays for Corinthians in Brazil, having joined the South American giants earlier in 2025. His move to Brazil has brought a new dimension to his career, offering fresh challenges and opportunities to further showcase his talents on a different continent.

Reaction from the Football Community

Football fans and pundits across the Netherlands and beyond have lauded Depay’s achievement. Social media was flooded with messages of congratulations, while former players and coaches praised his consistency, leadership, and impact on the national team. Many noted that Depay’s ability to perform in crucial moments has been a defining feature of his international career.

Looking Ahead: Depay’s Legacy and Next Steps

At 31, Depay remains a vital figure for the Oranje. With the scoring record now his, attention will turn to how far he can extend his tally and whether he can help guide the Netherlands to success in the upcoming World Cup. His leadership on and off the pitch will be essential as the team seeks to address the shortcomings highlighted by Van Dijk and continue their quest for international glory.

Conclusion

Memphis Depay’s record-breaking night in Kaunas will be remembered as a landmark moment in Dutch football. By overtaking Robin van Persie, Depay has solidified his place among the greats of the game. As the Netherlands push forward in their World Cup qualifying campaign, all eyes will be on Depay to see how much further he can raise the bar for future generations.

Sources:

ESPN: Memphis Depay breaks Netherlands goalscoring record