Former Barcelona striker Memphis Depay has once again returned to Ghana, the birth country of his father, to spend his summer holidays.
This visit to Ghana during the off-season has become a tradition for the Netherlands international, as he also visited the country last year and has previously been there for philanthropic reasons.
Last year, Depay was accompanied by fellow Dutch footballer Quincy Promes, but this year he arrived in Ghana alongside former Liverpool midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum. Wijnaldum shares a connection with Ghana through his former stepfather, who is Ghanaian. He was previously called Georginio Boateng.
“I want to put on record that I am now Georginio Wijnaldum, not Georginio Boateng, in fact, I have been known as George Wijnaldum for four years now,” the Dutchman said in a 2013 interview, as quoted by Goal.
“Boateng was the name of my former stepfather who is related to retired Dutch footballer of Ghanaian origin George Boateng.”
He added: “My stepfather gave his surname to me but after he divorced my mother I got the Boateng off my name and took my mother’s name Wijnaldum as my surname.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/Ct7kMsuNk_Q/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
Depay and Wijnaldum over the weekend were spotted at a local boxing gym in Accra, where Depay made a donation to support aspiring young boxers who dream of making it to the world stage.
Memphis Depay out here in Accra at one of the boxing gyms he donated funds to for renovation. He is in deep conversation with the kids. Exciting stuff to see pic.twitter.com/AO6W5Lrh4M
— Juliet Bawuah (@julietbawuah) June 25, 2023
It is evident that they are thoroughly enjoying their time in Ghana, embracing the local culture and engaging in philanthropic activities.
#Blacvolta : International Soccer Stars ⭐️ @GWijnaldum (AS ROMA) x @Memphis (Athletico Madrid ) spotted at Alora Beach Resort in Accra, Ghana 🇬🇭
Event was the “Hey Ibiza” party x @BlacVolta Sound System. pic.twitter.com/hJQpEEI572
— BlacVolta (@BlacVolta) June 26, 2023
For Depay, Ghana holds a special place as his ancestral homeland, and his visits not only serve as an opportunity to relax and unwind but also to connect with his roots and contribute to the community.