Striker Memphis Depay, from Corinthians, stated that he never had any doubts about his presence on the list of the Dutch team for Copa of Mundo in 2026. The 32-year-old player overcame a thigh injury that kept him out since March and returned to the field last week. Ele spoke about the topic during Holanda’s preparation at Zeist.
The Dutchman has scored 55 goals for the national team, making him the top scorer in the team’s history. Ele participated in the 2014 and 2022 Copas. Agora, with the call-up confirmed, Depay seeks to show physical form in training and in the remaining games before the tournament.
Depay details return after months away
Memphis Depay returned to play for Corinthians. Ele came in slowly, with 29 minutes as a substitute and then 45 minutes as a starter in recent matches. The striker arrived at the Dutch national team without pain and fit for work.
Ele acknowledged that the recovery took longer than expected. Ainda thus ensured that the injury was not as serious as it seemed. Depay preferred not to go into details about the rehabilitation process at Brasil.
The player trained intensely. Ele highlighted the difference in workload in Corinthians, with long sessions on the field, something that helped them arrive in good physical shape at the national team camp.
Holandês evaluates role in selection for Mundial
Holanda integrates Grupo F of Copa of Mundo, alongside Japão, Suécia and Tunísia. The team does not appear as the main favorite for the title, but Depay believes in the group’s competitiveness.
“We don’t need to pretend that we are the best team in the world, but we know what our qualities are and that we are always competitive,” said the striker. Ele cited the penalty shootout eliminations against Argentina in previous Copas.
With 108 caps for the national team, Memphis Depay wants to use his experience to help the team. Ele sees room to surprise opponents who may underestimate the Dutch.
Corinthians monitors attacker preparation
Memphis Depay’s injury period generated attention on Brasil. Ele overcame the problem and is already contributing on the field for the São Paulo team. Corinthians competes in Brasileirão and other competitions as the player prepares for Mundial.
The attacker mentioned the support he received and the daily work to return to his ideal level. Ele avoided commenting on reports about possible errors in the initial rehabilitation.
- Memphis Depay played 29 minutes as a substitute in a recent match for Corinthians
- Depois, completed 45 minutes as a starter in another game
- The Dutchman has scored 55 goals for the Holanda team
- Ele competed in Copas of Mundo of 2014 and 2022
- Holanda faces Japão, Suécia and Tunísia in the group stage of Mundial 2026
Expectativa for minutes before debut on Copa
Depay still has two games and several training sessions with Corinthians before dedicating himself fully to the national team. Ele wants to show coach Ronald Koeman that he is physically prepared.
The attacker arrived at the concentration in Zeist confident. Ele has worked every day on recovery and feels ready to contribute to Copa.
Holanda debuts against Japão in Grupo F. The Dutch seek to advance and repeat good recent campaigns in major tournaments.
Histórico of Memphis reinforces confidence in the call
The player always remained internally optimistic about the call-up. Mesmo faced questions from the Brazilian press in April about the delay in recovery, he preferred to focus on work.
“I myself would rather be talking about something else,” Depay commented to journalists. Ele understands the doubts, but reaffirms that he always knew it would work.
Sua’s trajectory includes stints at high-level European clubs before arriving at Corinthians. Experience helps you deal with periods of injury and pressure.
Holanda’s top scorer remains motivated for the third Copa of his career. Ele sees the competition as an opportunity to leave a positive mark with the team.