Plenty of footballers claim they could’ve been musicians. Memphis Depay actually is one. The Netherlands striker — who faces Tunisia on June 25 — has a genuine second career as a rapper, with albums, an EP and a real discography. Here’s the lowdown.
| Player | Memphis Depay |
| Born | February 13, 1994 (Netherlands) |
| Stage name | Memphis |
| Debut music | 2017 (“LA Vibes”) |
| Key release | EP “Heavy Stepper” (9 tracks) |
| Genres | Hip-hop / Afrobeats |
From the Pitch to the Booth
Memphis started releasing music in 2017 with the freestyle “LA Vibes” (featuring fellow footballer Quincy Promes), followed by “Kings & Queens.” What began as a hobby quickly grew into a serious creative outlet, and he records simply as Memphis.
His catalog now spans projects including the nine-track EP “Heavy Stepper” plus releases like “No Love” and “Falando com as favelas,” mixing hip-hop, Afrobeats and Dutch rap.
Embracing His Roots
Memphis has used his music to celebrate his Ghanaian heritage, notably on “AKWAABA” with Winne and Nana Fofie, and later leaned into Afrobeat collaborations like “Drinks on Me” with Bisa Kdei.
That blend of identities — Dutch, Ghanaian, global — runs through both his football and his sound, and it’s a big part of why fans take his music seriously rather than treating it as a gimmick.
A Footballer Who Means It
Lots of athletes dabble in music; few commit like Memphis, who has steadily built a discography over nearly a decade alongside a top-level playing career. You can find his full catalog on Spotify.
More Football & Music
Hear the Netherlands national anthem, and explore the football-music crossover in the EA Sports FC 26 soundtrack and the Official FIFA World Cup 2026 Album.
When Football Meets Hip-Hop
Memphis is part of a small but growing crossover of footballers who genuinely create music rather than just dabble. What sets him apart is consistency: he’s released steadily for years, built a real catalog, and treats his artistry with the same seriousness as his game.
It also reflects a wider truth about modern football — the line between the pitch and the playlist has never been thinner, from walk-out songs to the star-studded Official FIFA World Cup 2026 Album. Memphis just happens to live on both sides of it at once.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Memphis Depay really a rapper?
Yes — the Netherlands striker has released music as ‘Memphis’ since 2017, including the EP ‘Heavy Stepper’ and several albums and singles.
What kind of music does Memphis Depay make?
Mostly hip-hop and rap, with strong Afrobeats influences reflecting his Ghanaian heritage.
What is Memphis Depay’s best-known project?
His nine-track EP ‘Heavy Stepper’ is among his most notable releases, alongside ‘No Love.’
When does the Netherlands play at the 2026 World Cup?
In this schedule, the Netherlands face Tunisia on June 25 in the group stage.