Xavi Excludes Memphis Depay from Netherlands Squad in First Call-Up

Netherlands head coach Xavi has unveiled his first squad since taking charge, notably excluding Memphis Depay, the national team’s all-time leading scorer.

The 32-year-old forward, currently playing for Corinthians, has netted 55 goals for the Netherlands. However, Depay has not scored for the national side since November 2025, when he found the net against Poland in a 2026 World Cup qualifier. In recent months, he has also struggled with injuries and a dip in form.

Following the Netherlands exit from the World Cup at the round of 16 stage, losing to Morocco on penalties, Virgil van Dijk did not definitively confirm his international future. Despite that, the new coach has included the Liverpool defender in the squad for the upcoming match.

Xavi will make his managerial debut with the Netherlands against Germany, led by Jürgen Klopp, in Amsterdam on Thursday. The squad also features a first call-up for Ruben van Bommel, son of the legendary Dutch midfielder Mark van Bommel.

Another significant return is that of Joey Veerman. The Borussia Dortmund midfielder has not been called up to the national team for over two years.

Xavi replaced Ronald Koeman on a four-year deal, becoming the first foreign head coach of the Netherlands in 48 years. The Spanish tactician has expressed his intention to restore the attacking style traditionally associated with the Oranje.

Netherlands full squad:

Goalkeepers: Mark Flekken (Bayer), Robin Rõõs (Sunderland), Bart Verbruggen (Brighton).

Defenders: Nathan Aké (Fenerbahçe), Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool), Denzel Dumfries (Real Madrid), Jeremy Frimpong (Liverpool), Luuts Harelda (PSV), Jorrel Hato (Chelsea), Jan-Paul van Hecke (Tottenham), Jurriën Timber (Arsenal), Micky van de Ven (Tottenham).

Midfielders: Ryan Gravenberch (Liverpool), Théo Koopmeiners (Juventus), Tidjani Reinders (Al-Qadsiah), Kenneth Taylor (Lazio), Quinten Timber (Crystal Palace), Joey Veerman (Borussia Dortmund), Givay Zehil (Feyenoord).

Forwards: Justin Kluivert (Bournemouth), Ruben van Bommel (PSV), Bryan Brobbey (Sunderland), Cody Gakpo (Liverpool), Noa Lang (Napoli), Donyell Malen (Roma), Chrisencio Summerwill (Al-Hilal).