Depay late for national team gathering because of stolen passport?!

Memphis Depay has adapted pretty well to life in Brazil, at least that's what his stats with Corinthians reveal. The Dutchman recorded eight goals and ten assists in 39 matches for the Brazilian giants this season and managed to transfer his good form to the national team, becoming the Netherlands' all-time leading scorer last month.

However, after the latest "unpleasant experience," he'll think twice about staying in the largest South American country.

Most efficient Dutch net-buster - Depay!

Namely, Depay was unable to board a flight to his homeland and arrive in time for the national team gathering, as his passport was stolen! The Netherlands manager, Ronald Koeman, confirmed in the press conference that the incident had happened on Sunday night.

"When he wanted to leave for the airport, about an hour beforehand, he packed his things and couldn't find his passport," the tactician said via the Dutch NOS.

Regardless of the situation, Depay went to the airport but wasn't allowed to board the plane without his travel document. In the end, he was forced to get an emergency document and travel to the Netherlands a day later.

Still, this "twist of bad luck" significantly changed Koeman's initial ideas, as Depay won't be included in the XI against Malta in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying clash on Thursday (21.45).

"The plan I had in mind for this week will change a bit. He won't start, no. This is unfortunate. First and foremost for Memphis, but also for us. You naturally want to start preparing for an international break with a full squad," the 62-year-old concluded.

The Netherlands currently share the top spot in qualifying Group G with Poland, and, apart from Malta, face Finland in Amsterdam next Sunday (19.00) during the October international break.