It happened in 2017. Memphis Depay, fresh off a frustrating stint at Manchester United, decided to swap shirts with Italy's Leonardo Spinazzola after a friendly match. When the jersey came off, the world stopped looking at the scoreline.
Across his entire back sat a massive, hyper-realistic lion. It wasn't just a small piece of flash or a trendy Pinterest design. It was a statement. A loud, roaring, 24-hour commitment to skin and ink.
People immediately started guessing. "Oh, it's for the Dutch national team," some said. Others thought it was a nod to Olympique Lyonnais, the club he had just joined. Honestly, though? They were all wrong.
The Real Story Behind the Memphis Depay Back Tattoo
Memphis isn't really one for the obvious. If you ask him, he'll tell you straight up that the lion has nothing to do with the Netherlands crest or a French football club. It's about survival.
He grew up in Moordrecht, a small town in the Netherlands, but his childhood felt more like a wilderness. His father left when he was four. He’s been vocal about the "rough times" and the "rough areas" that shaped him. Basically, he felt like he was raised in a jungle.
"The lion on my back represents me," Memphis told reporters back when the ink was still fresh. "I have the heart of a lion."
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For him, the lion is the King of the Jungle. It’s the animal that stays on its feet no matter how many times it gets hit. It’s a metaphor for a kid who had to fight for everything he got in the professional game.
24 Hours Under the Needle
Can you imagine sitting in a chair for 24 hours while a needle drags across your spine? That’s what it took to get this done.
Most people tap out after four or five hours. The back is a notoriously painful spot, especially over the ribs and the shoulder blades. Memphis got most of it done during his time in Manchester, a period of his life that was professionally difficult but personally transformative.
It’s a full-back piece. There is zero negative space. The lion's mane flows into the curves of his shoulders, and its eyes—piercing and focused—sit right between his shoulder blades.
It's Not Just a Lion: The Rest of the Story
If you think the lion is the only story his body tells, you haven't been paying attention. Memphis has over 50 tattoos. His skin is basically a roadmap of his life.
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There’s a small circle on his wrist. It looks simple, almost boring, but it’s one of his favorites. It represents his "inner circle"—the tiny group of friends and family he actually trusts. In the world of high-stakes European football, that circle is small for a reason.
Then you’ve got the Christ the Redeemer tattoo on his ribs. He got that after the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. He scored his first World Cup goal there, and for a young player, that was the moment everything changed. It was his arrival on the world stage.
- The "Dream Chaser" text on his chest. * The wings on his neck. * The animated characters on his arms (Avatar: The Last Airbender and Pokemon). Yeah, you read that right. The "King of the Jungle" also has a tattoo of Aang from The Last Airbender and a Jigglypuff. It’s that contrast that makes him interesting. He’s a guy who can be a fierce competitor on the pitch and a massive nerd for 2000s-era cartoons off of it.
Dealing with the Critics
Football fans can be a bit... much. When Memphis was struggling for form at Manchester United, critics used his tattoos as a weapon. They called him flashy. They said he was more interested in his image than his goals.
But Memphis never really cared about the noise. He’s always been a "first-name-only" guy (he uses Memphis on his shirt because he doesn't want to carry his father’s surname, Depay). The tattoos are just another way he reclaims his identity.
The lion isn't there for the fans. It’s there for him. It’s a reminder every time he looks in a mirror—or every time a teammate sees him in the locker room—that he’s a survivor.
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Why the Lion Still Matters in 2026
Fast forward to today. Memphis has moved through the ranks of Barcelona and Atletico Madrid. He’s become a legend for the Dutch national team. Through every transfer and every injury, that lion has been there.
It’s become one of the most iconic pieces of ink in sports history, right up there with Zlatan Ibrahimović’s back piece or LeBron James’ "Chosen 1."
What most people get wrong is thinking it’s about ego. It’s actually about resilience. When you’re at the top, everyone wants to pull you down. The lion is his armor.
Thinking About Your Own Back Piece?
If you're looking at the Memphis Depay back tattoo and thinking about getting something similar, you need to be prepared.
- Find a Real Artist: You don't get realism like that at a "walk-in" shop. You need someone who specializes in large-scale animal portraits.
- The Time Investment: Expect to spend at least 20 to 30 hours in the chair. Most artists will break this up into 4-hour or 6-hour sessions over several months.
- The Healing Process: Healing a full-back tattoo is a nightmare. You can’t sleep on your back for weeks. You need someone to help you apply ointment because, unless you’re an Olympic gymnast, you can’t reach the middle of your own back.
Memphis Depay’s ink isn't just about looking "cool." It’s a heavy, permanent reminder of a kid from Moordrecht who refused to let the jungle win.
If you're tracking his career or just looking for tattoo inspiration, keep an eye on his next move. He usually marks major life milestones with new ink. Who knows? There might be another "king" added to the collection soon.
Next Steps for You: If you’re serious about getting a large-scale piece inspired by Memphis, start by researching "Black and Grey Realism" artists in your area. Look for portfolios that specifically feature big cats—lions, tigers, or leopards—to ensure they can handle the texture of the mane and the depth of the eyes. This isn't a tattoo you want to rush.