In the aftermath of an intense nine months of competition with their respective European clubs, many players take the opportunity to visit the continent of Africa for their summer holidays.
Several of these players have ancestral ties to countries such as Ghana, Mali, Tanzania, the Central African Republic, Congo, and Nigeria.
For some of these players, their visits to Africa serve as a chance to reconnect with their families and friends whom they may have left behind at a young age after their birth.
Others use their time in Africa to support charitable causes and give back to their communities through their ancestral connections.
Additionally, some players take advantage of their holiday to explore the breathtaking tourist sites that Africa has to offer and create lasting memories with their fans.
GhanaWeb highlights five players who embarked on trips to various African countries during their off-season break in Europe, immersing themselves in the rich culture and warmth of the continent.
Memphis Depay
The Dutch-born Ghanaian arrived with Holland teammate and AS Roma star Georginio Wijnaldum on Sunday, June 25.
Depay and Wijnaldum visited a boxing gym in Accra, where the duo interacted with aspiring boxers and young children in the area.
The former Manchester United attacker donated funds to the gym for renovation after spending some good time at the arena.
The former Liverpool midfielder was born to Surinamese parents in Holland but was raised by a Ghanaian father.
Kingsley Coman Tanzania
Bayern Munich winger Kingsley Coman has been spotted on a beach in the Eastern African nation of Tanzania as he enjoys his holiday.
Coman, who narrowly missed out on winning the 2022 FIFA World Cup, played a vital role in securing Bayern’s 11th consecutive Bundesliga title during the 2022-23 season.
Following the conclusion of the campaign, the versatile winger has taken the opportunity to relax and recharge before the upcoming season.
Additionally, the Frenchman generously gifted Bayern jerseys to the locals during his visit.
Bukayo Saka
The Arsenal star of Nigeria descent, Bukayo Saka arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, Nigeria on Wednesday, May 31 for holidays.
Saka played an integral for the Gunners as they finished second in the Premier League behind eventual winners Manchester City and was eventually named London Football Awards Men’s Young Player of the Year 2023.
Born to Nigerian immigrants in the United Kingdom, Saka’s visit isn’t just a casual holiday but reports said he met with Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
Alejandro Balde
The FC Barcelona youngster is on holiday with his brother Edi Balde visiting the country of his father’s origin (Guinea-Bissau). There he was given a hero’s welcome at the airport,on Monday, June 26 as he visits his family.
Balde was catapulted to global stardom this season, winning a starting spot in the Barcelona line-up in late 2022. His rise has been dramatic, and he made his debut for Spain at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
He also met with the President of Guinea-Bissau Umaro Sissoco Embalo where he presented the leader with a Barcelona jersey.
Kehrer
West Ham United star Thilo Kehrer paid a visit to his mother’s village in Burundi as footballers continue to enjoy their break. The 26-year-old defender was born in Tubingen, Germany, to a German father and a Burundian mother.
Kehrer was impressive for the Hammers as he featured in 27 league games, helping the team to avoid relegation from the Premier League.
He has the Kehrer Foundation in Burundi which supports the less fortunate in the country.