Dutch football has produced many excellent strikers who have contributed significantly to the success of the national team over the years. These players not only possess impressive goalscoring abilities but also leave a deep mark in the history of Dutch football. Below, Bestsoccertips.com shares a list of 10 Netherlands all time top scorers, names that have created many memorable moments and helped the “Orange Storm” affirm their position on the international stage.
10 Netherlands all time top scorers
Top 10: Johan Cruyff – 33 goals
Ruud van Nistelrooy is one of the Netherlands all time top scorers. He scored 35 goals in 70 appearances for the national team, becoming one of the Netherlands’ all-time top scorers. Van Nistelrooy is renowned for his sharp goalscoring ability, especially in the penalty area. He was a key factor in helping the Netherlands reach major tournaments, including Euro 2004 and the 2006 World Cup. With a simple but effective playing style, Van Nistelrooy was always a constant threat to the opposition defence.
The legendary Robin van Persie is the Netherlands’ all-time leading scorer with 50 goals in 102 games. He is known for his superb technique, exquisite finishing and ability to score from any angle. Van Persie had some memorable moments for the “Orange Storm”, especially his spectacular header against Spain at the 2014 World Cup. In addition to his international achievements, he also affirmed his talent at Arsenal and Manchester United, helping the “Red Devils” win the Premier League in the 2012-13 season.
Top 9: Abe Lenstra – 33 goals
Patrick Kluivert is one of the most outstanding strikers in the history of Dutch football, standing out with his sharp scoring ability and impressive technique. Kluivert scored 40 goals in 79 appearances for the national team, becoming one of the “Orange Storm’s” leading goalscorers. He was a key factor in the journey to the semi-finals of the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000, where he scored a hat-trick against Yugoslavia. Kluivert’s intelligent style of play, combining strength with flair, has seen him shine for the Netherlands as well as at club level, notably Ajax and Barcelona.
Dennis Bergkamp, one of the Netherlands’ most prolific strikers, scored 37 goals in 79 appearances for the national team. Not only was he a prolific striker, he was also renowned for his superb technique and ability to score spectacular goals. Bergkamp played a key role in the 1998 World Cup semi-final, scoring a classic goal against Argentina. Although he was not a typical centre-forward, his positioning, accurate finishing and excellent assists made him a legend of Dutch football.
Top 8: Ruud van Nistelrooy – 35 goals
Huntelaar was one of the Netherlands’ most talented strikers, known for his sharp ability in the penalty area. He scored 42 goals in 76 appearances for the Dutch national team, becoming one of the top scorers in the history of the Netherlands. With a keen instinct for scoring, Huntelaar played a key role in the team’s journey to major tournaments such as the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012. Although he was not always the first choice in attack, he always knew how to shine when given the chance.
Marco van Basten is a legend of Dutch football, with 24 goals in 58 appearances for the national team. Although this number is not very impressive compared to other strikers, his class is undeniable. Van Basten was the man who led the Netherlands to the Euro 1988 championship, where he scored one of the most beautiful goals in football history against the Soviet Union in the final. With his skillful technique, perfect finishing ability and excellent tactical thinking, Van Basten is considered one of the greatest strikers in world football.
Top 7: Faas Wilkes – 35 goals
Arjen Robben is one of the all time netherlands top scorers, and also a key striker for the national team. He scored 37 goals in 96 appearances, becoming a symbol of fast and technical attacking play. Robben is known for his tricky dribbling, cutting in from the right and his trademark dangerous finishing. He was a key factor in helping the Netherlands reach the 2010 World Cup final and finish third at the 2014 World Cup. Although he failed to win an international trophy, Robben is still considered one of the greatest players the Netherlands has ever produced.
Dirk Kuyt is not a top scorer, but his role in the Dutch national team is undeniable. Kuyt scored 24 goals in 104 appearances for the national team, contributing not only as a striker but also in a variety of roles on the pitch. His hard work, fighting spirit and ability to score important goals made him an indispensable part of the Netherlands’ journey to the World Cup and Euros. In particular, Kuyt was a key factor in the Netherlands’ journey to the 2010 World Cup final, where they only lost to Spain.
Top 6: Arjen Robben – 37 goals
Wesley Sneijder is the player with the most appearances for the Netherlands in history, with 134 appearances and 31 goals. An excellent attacking midfielder, Sneijder played a key role in the Netherlands’ play, especially at the 2010 World Cup, where he scored 5 goals and led the team to the final. His passing ability, long-range shooting and strong work ethic made him one of the greatest players
Rafael van der Vaart was one of the most talented midfielders in Dutch football, scoring 25 goals in 109 appearances for the national team. He possessed superb technique, the ability to create and score from set pieces. Van der Vaart played a key role at major tournaments, particularly Euro 2008 and the 2010 World Cup, where he helped the Netherlands reach the final. Although he did not win any major honours with the national team, he is remembered as one of the most creative Dutch midfielders of his generation.
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Top 5: Dennis Bergkamp – 37 goals
Klaas-Jan Huntelaar is one of the Netherlands’ finest strikers, with an incredible instinct for goals. He scored 42 goals in 76 appearances for the national team, making him one of the Netherlands’ greatest ever scorers. Although he was not always the first choice up front, when given the chance, Huntelaar always managed to shine. He played a key role in major tournaments such as Euro 2012 and the 2014 World Cup, where he scored the winning goal as the Netherlands beat Mexico in the round of 16.
Robin van Persie, the Netherlands’ greatest ever scorer, scored 50 goals in 102 matches. He was a complete striker, with excellent technique, the ability to shoot from distance and with both feet. Van Persie had many memorable moments in the “Orange Storm” shirt, especially a spectacular header against Spain at the 2014 World Cup. In addition to his international career, he also had great success at club level, winning the Premier League title with Manchester United and becoming one of the best strikers of his generation.
Top 4: Patrick Kluivert – 40 goals
Robin van Persie is the all time top goal scorers for Netherlands, with 50 goals in 102 games. He is known for his versatile finishing, superb technique and sharp tactical vision. Van Persie has scored many important goals, most notably a stunning header against Spain at the 2014 World Cup, one of the most impressive goals in the history of the tournament. He also played a major role in helping the Netherlands to third place at that year’s World Cup. Although he did not win a major trophy with the team, Van Persie is still a legend of Dutch football.
Ruud van Nistelrooy is one of the best strikers of his generation, with 35 goals in 70 appearances for the national team. He is known for his sharp finishing in the penalty area, a real killer in front of goal. Van Nistelrooy’s best international performance came at Euro 2004, where he scored four goals and helped the Netherlands reach the semi-finals. Although his international career did not last as long as his club career, Van Nistelrooy is still considered one of the greatest strikers the Netherlands has ever produced.
Top 3: Memphis Depay – 42 goals
Hendrik Johannes Cruyff, better known as Johan Cruyff, is one of the greatest players in Dutch football history. He was not only the embodiment of the Total Football philosophy, but also a symbol of creativity and intelligence on the pitch. Cruyff scored 33 goals in 48 appearances for the national team, culminating in the journey to the 1974 World Cup final. He led the Netherlands to defeat the likes of Argentina and Brazil before finally succumbing to West Germany in the final. Despite missing the 1978 World Cup due to political unrest, Cruyff’s legacy in Dutch football lives on.
Arjen Robben is one of the greatest wingers in Dutch history, possessing explosive pace and a deadly finishing ability. He scored 37 goals in 96 matches for the national team, helping the Netherlands reach the 2010 World Cup final and finish third at the 2014 World Cup. Robben is famous for his trademark dribbling from the right, cutting inside and finishing with his left foot. Despite missing a golden opportunity to Iker Casillas in the 2010 World Cup final, Robben remains a legend of Dutch football, admired for his talent and dedication.
Top 2: Klaas-Jan Huntelaar – 42 goals
Patrick Kluivert was one of the most dangerous strikers in Dutch football history, with a sharp finish and excellent tactical vision. He scored 40 goals in 79 matches for the national team and was the Netherlands’ top scorer for many years. Kluivert shone at the 1998 World Cup, especially with a crucial goal against Argentina in the quarter-finals and the equaliser against Brazil in the semi-finals. Although the team did not progress further in the penalty shootout, Kluivert is still remembered as one of the best strikers for the “Orange Storm”.
Faas Wilkes was one of the greatest early Dutch players, scoring 35 goals in 38 matches for the national team – an impressive rate of 0.92 goals per game. Wilkes was a tricky striker with superb technique and a fearsome goal-scoring ability. He was one of the first Dutch players to play abroad, playing for Inter Milan and Valencia, paving the way for future generations. Despite his lack of international honours, Wilkes remains a legend in Dutch football.
Top 1: Robin van Persie – 50 goals
Dennis Bergkamp was one of the most intelligent strikers in Dutch football history, with superb technique and an artistic ability to score goals. He scored 37 goals in 79 matches for the national team, known for his delicate handling and impressive long-range finishing. Bergkamp’s most memorable moment was his goal against Argentina at the 1998 World Cup, when he controlled the ball perfectly and fired a classy finish to send the Netherlands into the semi-finals. After losing to Italy on penalties at Euro 2000, Bergkamp announced his retirement from international football, ending a glorious journey.
Memphis Depay has been one of the most important attacking players for the Netherlands in the last decade, with 44 goals in 88 matches. Despite a slow start, Depay quickly proved his worth and became the leader of the “Orange Storm”. He scored an important goal at the 2014 World Cup as a substitute against Australia, becoming the youngest Dutch player to score at the World Cup. Depay continued to play an important role in the qualifying campaign for the 2022 World Cup, helping the Netherlands to return to the biggest playground on the planet.
Conclusion
The Netherlands all time top scorers have not only made their mark with the number of goals they have scored, but have also contributed significantly to the success of the country’s football. They have created memorable moments, helped the team conquer important matches and left a strong legacy. Although the records may be broken over time, their contributions will always be remembered, becoming symbols of the spirit and fiery attacking style of Dutch football.
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