Dutch football star Memphis Depay recently opened up about his deep connection to his African roots, emphasizing the pride he feels in his Ashanti heritage.
In a candid interview with ESPN, Depay revealed how discovering his Ghanaian roots later in life has profoundly impacted him both personally and professionally.
Depay, who has often been celebrated for his footballing talent, shared that his journey to reconnect with his African ancestry began only when he was 23.
Despite a brief visit to Ghana at the age of two, it wasn’t until much later that he was able to explore his heritage more deeply. Raised primarily in the Netherlands, Depay’s early years were marked by personal challenges, including being raised without his father. These experiences, he believes, shaped his character and resilience.
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“I didn’t get to see my roots until I was 23 because I never went back. The first time i went back I was 2 years old but then some things in life doesnt go how you want it so I was raised basically without my father and everything but it built me, it built my character. And then when I went back to Ghana, I started to find out about my history from my African part because my Dutch part, I know”
Depay’s connection to his roots has driven him to use his platform for positive change. He spoke about the contrasts he witnessed in Ghana, from its beautiful landscapes and wealthy individuals to the more challenging conditions faced by others. This disparity has inspired him to give back and support various causes, driven by his belief in the power and responsibility that comes with his platform.
“So my African part, it was quite powerful. The blood that I carry is from Ashanti Region, actually, it’s a tribe in Ghana which is powerful, we are warriors. If I’m in Ghana, you have very beautiful places in Ghana, very rich people but you have also very poor. The controversial like this and I go both places and I try to help because I am blessed with some gifts and stuff like that. And that’s why I am connected, I am feeling connected, I see the similarities here. If you have a platform like I do, I try to speak on it, I try not to shy away because, okay, you see me with the suit, nice tie, whatever but I am also doing behind the scenes, a lot of groundwork,” Memphis Depay said on ESPN.
Depay has signed a two-year deal with Brazilian side Corinthians after leaving Atletico Madrid.
