Memphis Depay etched his name into Dutch football history by becoming the nation's record goalscorer, netting twice in a dramatic 3-2 UEFA World Cup qualifier victory over Lithuania in Kaunas. The Corinthians forward broke Robin van Persie's long-standing mark of 50 goals, reaching 52 international strikes across 104 appearances.
The match saw the Netherlands take an early lead through Depay, who redirected a cross from Cody Gakpo in the 12th minute for his 51st goal, equaling van Persie's milestone. His towering header from a Denzel Dumfries delivery in the 79th minute secured the win after Lithuania remarkably leveled the game at 2-2 during halftime following a 2-0 deficit.
Lithuania, ranked 143rd globally by FIFA, became the lowest-ranked team ever to score against the Oranje. Despite their spirited comeback, the hosts fell short as Depay's late heroics lifted the Netherlands to the top of Group G with 10 points from four matches.
A journeyman career with clubs including PSV Eindhoven, Manchester United, Lyon, and Barcelona preceded Depay's move to Brazil in 2023. He made his national team debut in 2013 against Turkey and scored his first international goal during the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, coincidentally against Australia.
Vincent van Hees, a Netherlands assistant coach, praised Depay's resilience: "His ability to rise to the occasion defines his legacy." Depay now holds the record for most goals (52) and caps (104) among active Dutch players, surpassing legends like van Persie and Bergkamp.
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