DStv UEFA Euro 2024 African Footballers Focus: Memphis Depay - Netherlands

Memphis Depay is not your typical Dutch player, and that may well be because his Ghanaian heritage has added some extra spice to his style – something that will be on full display when he stars in UEFA Euro 2024 for the Netherlands.

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Depay was born in the small South Holland village of Moordrecht to a Ghanaian father, Dennis Depay, and a Dutch mother, Cora Schensema. Sadly, though, Dennis walked out on the family when Memphis was a young boy, and for many years the player did not actively seek out his African roots.

However, that all changed in early 2023 when he visited Ghana, undertook some philanthropic works and reunited with his father. Depay had previously visited the West African country, but this time around he had a greater appreciation for his heritage.

“Paid homage to King Otumfuo Nana Osei Tutu II in Kumasi. Found out that the Royal Majesty was very close with my grandfather. So, finding out where I belong means everything to me and from now forward, I know who I represent,” Depay wrote on a social media post.

And the King expressed his gratitude back to Depay: “Your grandpa [grandfather] was someone that I cherished. All his children, I also know them all. So, coming back here reminds me of when he was alive and the relationship, I had with him.

“And so, his children also still have connections to me because of that relationship I had with him. You are coming back affirms to me that I nearly lost my grandson but he’s back now. And, therefore, you belong here.”

Reuniting with his father and forgiving past mistakes was also a major element of Depay’s growing association with Ghanaian culture. “I don't wanna repeat what I've seen, I wanna do it differently. The generation before us made mistakes, so let's not repeat them but instead communicate. I can show you the way. Do you trust me?” he wrote, expressing the need to break the cycle of abandonment and create a new path forward.

Depay’s blend of athleticism, skill and insouciance are a reflection of his having roots in two very different cultures, but it makes for a thrilling and captivating football player – one who has represented PSV Eindhoven, Olympique Lyon, Manchester United, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid at club level, as well as boasting a superb record of 91 caps and 45 goals for the Netherlands since his debut in October 2023.

Depay and the Netherlands will be in Euro 2024 action when they face Group D opponents Poland, France and Austria on June 16, 21 and 25 respectively – with all matches LIVE on SuperSport.

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