A return to the Dutch national team is on the horizon for Memphis Depay. Ronald Koeman has included the 31-year-old forward in the preliminary squad for the upcoming Nations League matches against Spain. But how is Memphis performing at the moment?
In September, Memphis Depay took a bold step in his career by signing a two-year contract with Corinthians, one of Brazil’s most storied clubs but at the time, a club in deep trouble.
When Memphis arrived in São Paulo, Corinthians were languishing in the relegation zone of the Brazilian Série A, with their confidence shattered and their hopes for continental football seemingly lost. It was a move that raised eyebrows in both Europe and South America, with many questioning whether a player of Memphis’ pedigree, who had previously starred at clubs like Lyon, Barcelona, and Atlético Madrid, could adapt to the unpredictable and highly demanding environment of Brazilian football.
But Memphis quickly put those doubts to rest. In his first eleven matches, the Dutch forward scored an impressive seven goals, not only rediscovering his scoring touch but also emerging as a leader both on and off the pitch. His flair, creativity, and powerful shooting gave Corinthians the attacking spark they had been sorely missing. With Memphis playing a central role, Corinthians mounted an incredible surge up the table, moving from relegation danger to a respectable finish that secured them a spot in the qualifying rounds of the Copa Libertadores a turnaround that few could have predicted when Memphis first arrived.
Currently, Memphis and Corinthians are balancing domestic and continental commitments as they compete for the prestigious Campeonato Paulista, the state championship of São Paulo, while also preparing for their Copa Libertadores campaign. In just 39 days, Corinthians have already played twelve matches, a grueling schedule that has tested the depth and fitness of the squad. Memphis has featured in eight of those games, starting four and coming off the bench in the other four. Across 474 minutes of action, he has contributed one goal and two assists numbers that may not be spectacular but reflect his growing influence as a creative force and an experienced presence within a squad that leans heavily on his leadership.
Memphis also played a part in Corinthians’ most recent game, a home clash against Guarani, where he came off the bench once again. The match was notable not only for Memphis’ involvement but also for the presence of two high-profile visitors in the stands: Ronald Koeman and Nigel de Jong, both of whom spent five days in Brazil to closely monitor the forward’s progress. Koeman, now in his second spell as head coach of the Dutch national team, wanted a firsthand look at Memphis’ fitness, form, and attitude after months away from the international stage.
More importantly, Memphis delivered on the big stage just when it mattered most in the second qualifying round of the Copa Libertadores. Corinthians faced Universidad Central, a tricky opponent, and Memphis made his mark by assisting teammate Bidu for the crucial 2-1 goal. Universidad Central fought back to equalize, but Corinthians ultimately secured a dramatic win thanks to a late strike from Yuri Alberto. Memphis’ contributions were key, not only in terms of technical quality but also his ability to inject calmness and composure into the team when the pressure was highest.
Once again, Koeman and De Jong were watching from the stands, taking notes on everything his movements, his chemistry with teammates, his physical sharpness, and even his demeanor after the final whistle. Their visit wasn’t just a courtesy call; it was a clear indication that Memphis remains firmly in Koeman’s plans for the Dutch national team. That belief was made official when Koeman named Memphis in the preliminary squad for the upcoming doubleheader against Spain in the Nations League.
For Memphis, the call-up represents more than just a return to Oranje it’s a chance for personal redemption. His last appearance for the Netherlands came during the semi-final of the 2024 European Championship, a match against England that ended in heartbreak. Memphis was forced off the pitch after just 35 minutes due to a hamstring injury, a cruel blow that not only ended his tournament but also raised questions about his long-term durability.
Now, if Memphis makes the final squad, this international window could become a historic moment in his career. The forward currently sits on 98 caps for the Netherlands, leaving him just two appearances short of joining the prestigious ‘Club of 100’ a group of Dutch legends who have reached the century mark in international appearances. Should Memphis feature in both legs of the quarter-final against Spain, he will become only the tenth player in Dutch history to reach that milestone, placing him alongside icons like Wesley Sneijder, Edwin van der Sar, and Rafael van der Vaart.
The potential milestone adds a personal dimension to Memphis’ already remarkable comeback story. After enduring criticism at Manchester United, a mixed spell at Barcelona, and injury setbacks that left his career at a crossroads, Memphis has found new life in Brazil. His experience at Corinthians has not only reignited his passion for the game but also reminded the football world of his unique qualities his technical brilliance, his confidence under pressure, and his ability to thrive when the odds are stacked against him.
Memphis’ decision to leave Europe for Brazil was a risk, but it’s a risk that is paying off. The player who once dazzled at PSV and Lyon has adapted to the rhythm of South American football, embraced the vibrant culture of São Paulo, and earned the respect of fans who were initially skeptical of his arrival. Now, with his form improving and his confidence restored, Memphis stands on the verge of not only a return to Oranje but also a moment of historic significance for both his career and Dutch football.
If he does join the ‘Club of 100’, it will symbolize much more than just longevity it will be a testament to Memphis’ resilience, his refusal to give up, and his relentless belief that the best chapters of his story are still ahead of him. From the fields of São Paulo to the orange of the Netherlands, Memphis Depay is writing his own redemption arc and it’s a story that is far from over.
