Memphis spotted goalkeeper Alban Lafont off his line before deciding there was no other option but to hook a shot into the net from the centre circle.
The forward's goal rounded off a fine 4-0 win for Lyon that keeps them fourth in Ligue 1 and braced for Europa League qualification.
"I didn't even see the ball go in, I just heard everyone go crazy," Depay told Canal+ post-match.
"I'd tried one like that a few years ago and it hit the bar. I saw the goalkeeper was playing off his line in the first half and I kept that in the back of my mind."
Oh. My. Word.
Memphis Depay has just scored from the halfway line. #OLTFChttps://t.co/2yYADH1UzM
— BT Sport Football (@btsportfootball) March 12, 2017
Depay now has five goals in nine appearances for the Ligue 1 club. If only, United fans.
'The fans were very genuine. I find northern people a lot better than southern people because you know where you stand. Everyone was the same level. Playing football doesn’t mean I’m bigger than you': Ray Parlour reveals love for Middlesbrough spell
‘To beat that team, with Frank Rijkaard, Marco van Basten and Ruud Gullit, was almost impossible - it was one of the greatest games of my coaching career': Ex-Real Madrid manager reflects on beating stacked AC Milan side in 1989
