Memphis Depay: A Dutch Legend Ahead of Netherlands vs. Japan
The Netherlands has a storied history of exceptional football talent, yet Memphis Depay often finds himself overlooked in discussions about the country’s greatest attackers. Renowned names like Johan Cruyff, Ruud van Nistelrooy, Dennis Bergkamp, Patrick Kluivert, and Robin van Persie frequently dominate this narrative.
However, Memphis has etched his name into Dutch football history as the all-time leading goalscorer for the national team, boasting an impressive tally of 55 goals in 109 appearances since his debut in 2013.
With a scoring rate of over one goal every two games and contributing 36 assists, Memphis is tied for fourth place on the all-time appearance list alongside Rafael van der Vaart. Only Frank de Boer (112), Edwin van der Sar (130), and Wesley Sneijder (134) have played more times for the national side.
© Imago.
Memphis: Key Player for World Cup Qualification
Memphis played a crucial role in securing the Netherlands’ spot in the 2026 World Cup, netting 10 goals and providing four assists across seven matches, including a standout hat-trick against Turkey. Despite his undeniable contributions on the pitch, he often remains underappreciated by fans, likely due to his challenging stint at Manchester United.
After showcasing his talent at PSV Eindhoven, Memphis moved to Manchester United in 2015. However, his time at Old Trafford was less than successful; he made just 53 appearances, scoring seven goals and assisting five times before transferring to Lyon in January 2017.
© Imago / Pro Shots.
Revival at Lyon and Beyond
Lyon proved to be a turning point for Memphis, where he scored 76 goals and provided 56 assists in 178 appearances. He later joined Barcelona from 2021 to 2023, where he added another 13 goals and two assists over 42 matches. Most recently, he played for Atletico Madrid from 2023 to 2024, contributing with another 13 goals and two assists in 40 appearances before moving to Brazil.
Currently with Corinthians, Memphis has recorded 20 goals and 15 assists in 79 matches. However, with his contract set to expire this summer, his future remains uncertain. “I think I’ve already spoken enough… I would love to stay [at Corinthians], but we are looking at the best way to negotiate,” he stated recently.
© Imago / Rebeca Schumacker.
A Legend in the Making
As Memphis prepares for the World Cup opener against Japan on Sunday, he is focused on leaving a lasting legacy. Having scored three goals across previous World Cups in 2014 and 2022, he aims to add more accolades this summer.
The Netherlands is often regarded as one of the best footballing nations never to have won a World Cup. A successful campaign led by Memphis could solidify his status as a true legend of Dutch football.
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