Netherlands’ All Time Goal Scorers as Memphis Depay Closes in On Robin Van Persie’s Record

• Memphis Depay starred as the Netherlands thrashed Canada in a pre-Euro friendly match on Thursday, June 6
• The former Manchester United star has an outstanding goal haul for his country, and is closing in on the all-time record
• Another former Manchester United Star holds the record for most goals scored for the Netherlands national team

To say Memphis Depay is underrated would be an understatement.

The 30-year-old winger’s performances for his clubs have always been questioned, but there is no denying his contributions to his national team.

Since making his debut for the Dutch national team in 2013, Depay has developed into an integral player for his country and was predictably picked for the squad to play in the upcoming Euros.

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In Netherlands’ latest friendly match before embarking on the European championships, the former Manchester United man showed glimpses of what was to come by netting his 45th international goal in a 4-0 win over Canada.

With his goal on Thursday, Depay closed in on the all-time record in the Netherlands, held by former Manchester United and Arsenal striker Robin van Persie.

Sports Brief explores the top 10 greatest goal scorers in Dutch history, per Transfermarkt:

Netherlands' all-time top scorers

Robin van Persie

Who can forget the famous ‘flying Dutchman’ goal scored by Robin van Persie at the 2014 World Cup?

The former Arsenal and Manchester United man had a lethal left foot in his heyday, scoring an impressive 50 goals for his country, more than any other player.

Memphis Depay

Despite a slow start to his international career, Depay is now a crucial player for Ronald Koeman’s side.

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He has been an ever-present figure for the Dutch national team in major tournaments, making 91 appearances for his country since his debut more than a decade ago and netting 45 times.

Since he is only 30, the winger is likely to beat Van Persie’s record in the near future.

Klaas-Jan Huntelaar

The retired striker is largely known for his stint with German outfit Schalke, although he also had brief spells with Real Madrid, PSC Eindhoven, Milan and Ajax.

After thriving with the under-21 squad, where he is still the all-time top goalscgoalscorer18 goals in 22 matches, Huntelaar was promoted to the senior Netherlands team, eventually taking over from Ruud van Nistelrooy.

He scored 42 goals in 76 appearances for his nation and has the second-highest goals-per-match ratio of anyone on this list.

Patrick Kluivert

The former Barcelona striker only made 79 senior appearances for the Dutch national team but impressively scored 40 goals.

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Now retired, the 47-year-old is now a professional coach and sporting director.

Dennis Bergkamp

Thierry Henry once named Dennis Bergkamp the best player he played alongside, and based on the Dutchman’s stats, we can see why.

Bergkamp mainly played as a traditional ‘Number 10’ or second striker but somehow managed to net 37 goals in 79 appearances for his country.

Arjen Robben

Besides Lionel Messi, arguably no player in modern history had a left foot as lethal as Arjen Robben’s.

His first appearance in an international competition with the Netherlands came in 2004 at the Euros. He represented the Netherlands until 2018 when he announced his retirement after failing to qualify for the World Cup.

The former Chelsea and Bayern Munich winger impressively netted 37 goals in 96 appearances for his country.

Faas Wilkes

One of the veterans of Dutch football, Servaas "Faas" Wilkes would have been a force to reckon with if he had played in today’s game.

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Born in 1923, Wilkes played for Inter Milan, Torino, Valencia, and Levante. He earned 38 caps for his national team and scored 35 goals.

The late striker has the highest goals-per-game ratio of any Dutchman on this list.

Ruud van Nistelrooy

Ruud van Nistelrooy was arguably the finest Dutch striker of his era not just with the Dutch national team.

Since his debut in a friendly match against Germany in 1998, the former Manchester United striker earned 70 caps for his country, scoring 35 goals.

Now retired, ‘Ruud boy’ has ventured into management and is reportedly in the frame for the vacant Burnley job, according to The Mirror.

The most controversial moments in Euros history

Sports Brief also highlighted the 10 most controversial moments in Euros history.

Topping the list are the match-fixing allegations from the Euro 2004 in a match between Sweden and Denmark, who played out a 2-2 draw to knock out Italy.

While there is no proof that the Swedes and Danes deliberately played out a high-scoring draw to knock out Italy, it remains one of the most talked-about games in the history of the Euros.