Depay Equals Dutch Scoring Record as Koeman Keeps Him “Hungry” for More

Memphis Depay matched Robin van Persie’s all-time scoring record for the Netherlands on Tuesday night but was denied the chance to surpass it after being substituted during the team’s emphatic 8-0 victory over Malta in a World Cup qualifier.

Depay netted twice in the opening 16 minutes, taking his international goal tally to 50 — level with Van Persie. Both players now share the record from exactly 102 appearances for the national team.

Despite a golden opportunity to claim the record outright, the 30-year-old forward was taken off in the 72nd minute by coach Ronald Koeman with the Dutch already leading 4-0. The decision surprised some fans, but Koeman insisted it was strategic.

“It’s great that he didn’t score the third because then he stays hungry,” Koeman said with a smile in a post-match interview on Dutch television. “He’s had a difficult year with injuries, but now he’s fit and sharp again. Memphis is a great player, and tonight he showed that.”

Depay, who scored his first goal for the Netherlands at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, expressed satisfaction at reaching the milestone but made it clear he’s aiming higher.

“I equalled Van Persie, and I’m happy with that,” he told reporters. “But this is just an interim total. Of course, I’m going for 51, 52, and 53. If I had stayed on longer, I might have scored again tonight.”

He remained diplomatic about Koeman’s decision to bring him off early, saying, “I didn’t complain. I was just happy to do what I’ve always done — score goals.”

Depay also reflected on his journey with the national team, describing it as a turbulent but formative experience.

“There have been many coaches and many different players over the years. It hasn’t always been smooth, but those changes helped shape me,” he said. “What matters now is that we qualify for the World Cup — and go far.”

Koeman, who has shown consistent faith in Depay during both his spells in charge of the national side, reiterated his belief in the striker’s quality and importance to the team.

With the Netherlands cruising toward World Cup qualification and Depay now tied as the nation’s top scorer, all eyes will be on the next fixture — and whether the forward can make history with goal number 51.