Memphis Depay has chosen storytelling over statistics to reflect on his life in Brazil, unveiling a personal mini-documentary that explores the meaning of work far beyond the football pitch.
More than a year after leaving European football to join Corinthians, the Dutch-Ghanaian international has released a short film titled Work a Lot on his YouTube channel.
The project blends documentary elements with artistic expression and offers a window into everyday life for Brazilian workers from vastly different backgrounds.
The film focuses on men and women whose professions often go unnoticed. A hairdresser, a street vendor, a baker and a mechanic each share their routines, struggles and motivations.
Their testimonies revolve around simple but powerful goals: supporting their families, owning a home and living with dignity.
Depay places their voices at the centre of the narrative, allowing their experiences to speak without interruption.
The format shifts fluidly between documentary storytelling and music visuals. Between interviews, Depay delivers spoken verses and musical lines, presenting himself as a worker among others.
He describes discipline, effort and responsibility as universal values, insisting that hard work stands at the heart of every life path.
His words echo the themes raised by the contributors, creating a link between their stories and his own journey.
The contrast remains visible throughout the film. Depay’s privileged lifestyle, shaped by elite sport and global fame, differs sharply from the daily realities faced by those he portrays.
The documentary does not attempt to erase that distance. Instead, it acknowledges it, allowing viewers to reflect on the meaning of work across different social realities.
The project carries a sincere tone and avoids sensationalism. Depay does not position himself as a saviour or commentator but as an observer who listens and amplifies voices rarely heard on major platforms. The result feels personal and reflective rather than promotional.
By sharing Work a Lot, Depay extends his influence beyond football, using his platform to highlight resilience, dignity and perseverance.
The film reinforces his growing interest in cultural expression and social storytelling, marking another step in his creative life in Brazil.
