Memphis Depay 'Blocked' From Flying to Netherlands for World Cup Qualifiers
Netherlands forward Memphis Depay is set to miss the start of the international break due to being blocked from flying to the European nation from Brazil.
Depay, 31, is the Netherlands’ record goalscorer with 52 strikes in 104 caps for the Oranje. The former Manchester United and Barcelona forward is currently playing his club football with Brazilian outfit Corinthians, having signed for the club in September of 2024.
The 31-year-old put his decision down to wanting the “authentic” experience football comes with in the South American nation before going on to claim the nation was the “Mecca of football”.
Depay has impressed at the Sao Paulo club, having registered eight goals and ten assists in 39 appearances, helping the side finish seventh out of 20 teams during the 2024 Serie A campaign.
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And despite having to travel more than 12,000 miles from Sao Paulo to the Dutch capital of Amsterdam and back for international games, Depay’s commitment to playing for his country has not wavered.
His brace in Ronald Koeman’s side’s 3-2 World Cup qualifier victory over Lithuania in September saw him surpass Robin van Persie as the nation’s top scorer.
The 1988 Euros winners will return to action against Malta on Thursday before hosting Finland on Sunday, but Depay’s participation is under threat.
As reported by BBC Sport, Depay missed the start of international duty after reporting his passport stolen in Brazil.
The 31-year-old was due to travel to the Netherlands on Sunday but was unable to.
The Dutch federation, the KNVB, said Depay was "doing everything he can" to make the journey "as soon as possible".
“This is unfortunate, primarily for Memphis, but also for us,” said his head coach, Koeman.
“You naturally want to start your international preparations with a full squad.
"At the same time, there are circumstances beyond our control. We hope he can indeed travel to join us at the training camp as soon as possible."
The Netherlands are currently top of Group G of European World Cup qualifiers ahead of Poland on goal difference with a game in hand
Topics: Football, Memphis Depay, Netherlands, Ronald Koeman
Luke Davies