Can Memphis Depay seal his lead as the Dutch top scorer at this World Cup?
Memphis Depay has been sitting on the Dutch throne for some time now. With over fifty goals for The Netherlands, he has overtaken Robin van Persie and become the new king of Dutch goalscorers. His historic moment came when he officially passed the former striker and could rightfully call himself the Netherlands' all-time top scorer. Recent updates confirm that Depay now stands well above fifty international goals, solidifying his lead but certainly not making it untouchable. The question heading into the 2026 World Cup is therefore crystal clear and exciting at the same time; can Depay extend his margin further and set a record that will stand for years to come?
The evolution of Depay
Depay is no longer just a goal scorer; he has grown into a complete attacking system on his own. His recent record as the oldest player with the most assists for The Netherlands underscores that he not only scores but also creates. In a team that craves stability and experience, Depay is a beacon in attack, someone who brings both composure and threat to matches. Memphis has the technique and power needed to perform at the highest level. If he stays fit, there is a big chance that Koeman will place him centrally in the attack, a role in which he is always dangerous.Why this World Cup offers opportunities
A World Cup is a stage where legends distinguish themselves. For Depay, this means every match is a perfect opportunity to extend his lead. The Dutch team has enough quality to go far, and the more matches on the schedule, the greater the chance for him to increase his tally. Depay is also a player who does not falter against strong nations. He has a proven track record in top matches and remains a regular candidate to take penalties. For a top scorer, these are invaluable moments.The threats to his record
Of course, the path ahead is not completely clear. Depay has struggled with injuries in recent years. A single misstep or a tactical substitution can affect his chances to score. Added to that, the new generation of Dutch attackers is knocking on the door. If Koeman opts for more variety, Depay may get fewer minutes.According to Noah Leermans of Mybookmakers.nl, it is likely that bookmakers will heavily focus on Depay this World Cup. The hype and speculations are already circulating, and Leermans expects many bookmakers to stunt with odds boosts and other promotions.
The balance
The conclusion is clear, Depay has an excellent chance to further extend his record at this World Cup. His experience and role within the squad still make him the primary candidate to start for the Netherlands.Whether his lead becomes untouchable depends on his fitness and how far The Netherlands progresses in the tournament. But one thing is certain; every goal Depay scores at the World Cup cements his name deeper into Dutch football history.
Will the Netherlands lift the trophy?
Dutch and international bookmakers largely agree on the Netherlands' prospects for the 2026 World Cup: they are respected but not among the top favourites. Bet365 NL gives the team odds of around 21.00 to win, suggesting a probability below five percent. Major international bookmakers like BetMGM offer similar numbers, placing the Netherlands firmly in the "dark horse" category with roughly a five to six percent chance of lifting the trophy.This alignment across markets shows that while bookmakers acknowledge the squad's quality and potential, they expect The Netherlands to fall short of the title. In essence, the Dutch are viewed as a team capable of making a deep run if circumstances fall their way, yet still a step behind the tournament's leading contenders.