Memphis Depay Scripts History; Surpasses Netherlands' Robin Van Persie To Become...

Last Updated:September 08, 2025, 09:02 IST

Memphis Depay became Netherlands all-time top scorer with 52 goals in a 3-2 win over Lithuania in Kaunas, surpassing Robin van Persie and lifting Oranje to the top of Group G.

Memphis Depay has now become Netherlands' all-time top scorer (X)

Memphis Depay etched his name into Dutch football history on Sunday, becoming the Netherlands’ all-time top scorer with a brace in their 3-2 World Cup qualifying win over Lithuania in Kaunas.

The 31-year-old striker, now playing in Brazil with Corinthians, struck his 51st and 52nd international goals, surpassing Robin van Persie’s tally of 50 to stand alone at the top of the Oranje scoring charts.

Breaking the Deadlock

Depay opened the scoring in the 20th minute, calmly turning in a cutback from Cody Gakpo. Just over 10 minutes later, Quinten Timber doubled the lead with a precise finish in the 33rd minute, seemingly putting Ronald Koeman’s side in full control.

But Lithuania, ranked 143rd in the world, refused to bow down. Gvidas Gineitis pulled one back with a composed strike, before defender Edvinas Girdvainis stunned the Dutch by heading in an equaliser before halftime.

Depay’s Historic Moment

The Oranje needed inspiration, and it came from their new record man.

Just past the hour mark, Depay rose highest to head in a Denzel Dumfries cross, sealing the historic brace and securing three crucial points.

The Corinthians forward, who has represented the Netherlands since 2013, has been a cornerstone of their attack across three World Cup qualifying campaigns and two European Championships.

Now, with 52 goals, he stands above Dutch greats such as Van Persie, Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, and Patrick Kluivert.

The win lifted the Netherlands to the top of European Qualifying Group G with 10 points from four games. They now sit three points ahead of Poland and Finland, who meet later on Sunday. Lithuania remain fourth with just three points from five matches.

The group winners will qualify directly for the 2026 World Cup in North America, while runners-up will head into the play-offs.

Elsewhere in Europe

In Group E, Georgia secured a 3-0 victory over Bulgaria in Tbilisi, with captain Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Nika Gagnidze, and Georges Mikautadze all finding the net.

(with agency inputs)

Siddarth Sriram

After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term...Read More

After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term...

Read More

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News sports Memphis Depay Scripts History; Surpasses Netherlands' Robin Van Persie To Become...

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