Memphis Depay scored his 42nd international goal for the Orange in the Nations League game against Wales on Tuesday. The FC Barcelona striker thus equaled Klaas-Jan Huntelaar and now only has all-time top scorer Robin van Persie (fifty goals) ahead of him.
The 28-year-old Memphis made the winning 3-2 against Wales in extra time as a substitute. He did that in his eightieth international match for Orange, for which he made his international debut in 2013.
Van Persie, who became the all-time top scorer in 2013, came to a total of 102 international matches. Huntelaar played 76 times for the Orange squad.
Memphis already had his 42nd international goal on his shoe on Saturday in the game against Poland, but shot a penalty on the post in stoppage time. Earlier this international period, he scored twice in the Nations League match against Belgium (1-4). With those goals he passed Patrick Kluivert.
Crazy joy at the Orange after the goal of Memphis Depay.
Crazy joy at the Orange after the goal of Memphis Depay. Photo: Getty Images
‘I’m sure Van Persie is happy’
Memphis is the only player from the top ten of the top scorers list who is still active. Georginio Wijnaldum, who has not been called up by national coach Louis van Gaal this international period, is the next active player with the most goals after Memphis. He is in thirteenth place with 26 goals.
After the win over Wales, Memphis said he is not very concerned with the record. “But of course I occasionally look up and you think: I’m close. I have no contact with Van Persie, but I’m sure he sees it and is happy.”
All-time top scorers Orange
- 1. Robin van Persie (2005-2017) – 50
- 2. Memphis Depay (2013–present) – 42
- 2. Klaas-Jan Huntelaar (2006-2015) – 42
- 4. Patrick Kluivert (1994-2004) – 40
- 5. Dennis Bergkamp (1990-2000) – 37
- 5. Arjen Robben (2003-2017) – 37
- 7. Ruud van Nistelrooij (1998-2011) – 35
- 7. Faas Wilkes (1946-1961) – 35
- 9. Abe Lenstra (1940-1959) – 33
- 9. Johan Cruyff (1966-1977) – 33