Dec 3, 2022; Al Rayyan, Qatar; Netherlands forward Memphis Depay (10) kicks the ball against the United States of America during the first half of a round of sixteen match in the 2022 FIFA World Cup at Khalifa International Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Danielle Parhizkaran-USA TODAY Sports

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Memphis Depay Becomes Netherlands’ All-Time Top Goalscorer As Dutch Survive Scare in Thrilling World Cup Qualifying Clash Against Lithuania

Memphis Depay etched his name into Dutch football history on Sunday night, becoming the Netherlands’ all-time leading scorer with a brace in a dramatic 3-2 World Cup qualifying victory over Lithuania in Kaunas. The 31-year-old striker netted his 51st and 52nd international goals to surpass Robin van Persie’s record of 50 goals.

Playing for Corinthians in Brazil, Memphis Depay now stands alone at the top of the Oranje scoring charts. Depay had equalled Van Persie’s tally with a double against Malta in June. But after drawing a blank against Poland earlier this week, he finally made history in style.

Depay set the tone for the match in the 20th minute, turning home Cody Gakpo’s cutback with clinical precision. Just over 10 minutes later, Quinten Timber added his first international goal, doubling Netherlands’ lead and seemingly putting Ronald Koeman’s men in cruise control. Lithuania, however, produced a spirited response.

🇳🇱👏 Memphis Depay has become the all-time top men's goalscorer for the Netherlands!#FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/DwBBcvWZCm
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) September 7, 2025

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Netherlands Survive Scare in Lithuania

Gvidas Gineitis fired in after a surging run from captain Justas Lasickas in the 36th minute. Just seven minutes later, Edvinas Girdvainis stunned the visitors with a towering header from a free-kick, sending the sides into halftime level at 2-2. The Oranje nerves were finally settled in the 64th minute when Depay rose above his marker to meet Denzel Dumfries’s cross, thumping home a header to seal all three points.

It was a night of relief for the Dutch, who bounced back from their frustrating 1-1 draw with Poland in Rotterdam on Thursday. For Lithuania, ranked 143rd in the FIFA standings, the performance was one of defiance. Their two goals offered the home fans a rare moment of pride despite the defeat.

Also Read: Lionel Messi Scores Twice in Final Argentina Appearance on Home Soil, Keeps World Cup Door Open in Emotional Farewell

Elsewhere, European champions Spain continued their perfect start to qualifying with a ruthless 6-0 victory over Turkey in Konya. Arsenal’s Mikel Merino grabbed the headlines with a stunning hat-trick, while Pedri added a brace and Ferran Torres also got on the scoresheet in a one-sided encounter.

Mikel Merino bagged a hat-trick this evening as Spain beat Turkey 6-0 🎩

That's six goals in six games for his country this year 😮‍💨 pic.twitter.com/zMV9drc3sL
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) September 7, 2025

Memphis Depay

Netherlands

World Cup Qualifiers

Abhinav Goel

soccer

I am a soccer writer at The PlayOffs, covering everything from match analysis to transfer buzz and tactical deep dives. Ever since I was a kid, soccer has been more than just a sport to me—it’s been an obsession. Playing and watching the game from a young age fueled my passion, eventually leading me into the world of sports media and betting. Now, I get to analyze the sport I love and bring the latest updates to fans worldwide.