Memphis reflects on Netherlands career, aims for more trophies

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Central do Timão

·9 September 2025

Memphis reflects on Netherlands career, aims for more trophies

By Daniel Keppler / Central do Timão Editorial Staff

On the afternoon of this Monday, 8, the official channel of the Netherlands national team on YouTube published a video in tribute to number 10 Memphis Depay and his achievement, obtained last Sunday, 7, when he became the top scorer in the history of the team, reaching 52 goals. The seven-minute video provides a general overview of the striker's journey since his debut with the orange jersey in 2013.

Memphis analyzed his story in the national team: “There were great moments that I collected during my years in the Dutch team. From the beginning to the most recent tournament. This makes me proud. Many great football players that you normally only see on television, and then you suddenly play alongside them, you're training with them. You see them every day and I had to get used to it. But it was fantastic and very valuable to me still so young. So it's official and you're going to play for the Dutch team, which you were really a fan of.”

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Photo: Reproduction/OnsOranje

The striker talked about his connection with the Dutch team, which is reflected in his dedication on the field. “When people asked me: what is your favorite team, I would say the Dutch team instead of a club, so that was something really special. It's something I made happen by working hard over all these years. So, that earlier phase (from the debut), those previous years, is something people don't see, that's what I consider to be something I'm very proud of”, he said.

The top scorer also praised other athletes who made their mark for the Netherlands, like Snejder: “I had a great relationship with Wesley. Mainly on the field, also off the field, but on the field he knew where I was. I know that when he had the ball, I could start running. He could pass or launch in depth with that phenomenal kick. At the time, I was a left winger. The quality he brought to the training was very motivating.”

He went on, citing other names. “Of course, other players too, like Arjen (Robben) was always one of, if not the best in training. Every training, he wanted to show how good he was. He demanded a lot from himself and also from his teammates. It's amazing to see this when you're still a kid. The refined technique of Huntelaar and Van Persie was on another level”, he explained.

At another moment, Memphis talked about his relationship with coaches who have been through the team, like Louis Van Gaal, who led the team to third place in the 2014 World Cup, in Brazil. “A coach who always made a point of being present, always attentive to all the details, from training to the game, how you behave in the hotel, how you serve your food, he pays attention to everything”, he said.

Memphis continued: “From the beginning, I had a good relationship with him, he showed this by taking me to the World Cup, and had the courage to put me to play when it was necessary. A strong-tempered man, I am too, so over time, we also lived in the club environment. Sometimes we clashed, but in the end we always maintained respect for each other, and as we matured, we began to understand each other better. And we shared great moments together.”

The current coach of the Clockwork Orange Ronald Koeman was also praised by the striker: “Very important. I remember him coming to visit me in Rome, where I was recovering. It was really one of the biggest gestures he could have made. I thought: ‘If you come from so far to see how I am, I want to give back’. He gave me a lot of freedom from the beginning, and also gave me responsibility. If you want this freedom, you must show that you know how to handle it.”

Memphis talked about Koeman's way of working, and the way he uses the player on the field in matches. “The way he demanded from the team and from me worked very well. He put me in the center of the attack and in the role of a mobile striker. Then I started scoring a lot of goals. This also gave a lot of confidence to the team, we showed great football”, he declared.

Finally, the Dutch idol projected the future of the national team, aiming for more achievements: “Everyone talks about it, so it's inevitable (to be one of the best in the Netherlands). I try not to think too much. I know what they expect from me when I play, but I also like to assist. But when you get this far, why not go further? Let's move on until people see me reach the top.”

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