Memphis Depay, the former Manchester United forward, and Bayer Leverkusen winger Jeremie Frimpong, shared a moment of cultural pride during the Netherlands’ friendly game against Canada.
The match, which took place at the Stadion Feijenoord, was part of the Dutch national team’s preparations for the upcoming Euro 2024 tournament in Germany.
Depay, who will be leading the Dutch attack in the tournament, scored a remarkable goal in the 50th minute, assisted by Frimpong. In a joyful celebration of their shared heritage, the two players performed the traditional Ghanaian dance, Adowa.
Both Depay and Frimpong, despite representing the Netherlands internationally, have Ghanaian roots. “I was doing a Ghanaian dance with Frimpong after my goal. He is a Ghana boy like me. Of course, we represent The Netherlands but this is in our blood,” Depay expressed post-match.
Frimpong, who also scored in the 57th minute, was not expecting the dance but was thrilled to join in. “We hadn’t actually agreed on anything like that but I thought I should test him and see if he knows. It is a traditional dance and it is common in Ghana,” Depay added.
Another player with Ghanaian heritage, Brian Brobbey, also started the game for the Dutch.
The Netherlands will play their final friendly against Iceland on June 10th before commencing their Euros campaign against Poland on June 16th.
Watch the goal and dance below:
