Cody Gakpo

Name in home country: Cody Mathès Gakpo

Date of birth/Age: May 7, 1999 (25)

Place of birth: Eindhoven Netherlands

Height: 1,93 m

Citizenship: Netherlands Togo

Position: Attack - Left Winger

Foot: Right

Current club: Liverpool FC

Joined: Jan 1, 2023

Contract expires: Jun 30, 2028

Cody Mathès Gakpo, born on May 7, 1999, in Eindhoven, Netherlands, is a professional footballer known for his versatility as a forward, capable of playing as a left winger or centre-forward.

Early Life and Background:

Family: Gakpo was born to Johnny Gakpo, who has Togolese and Ghanaian ancestry, and Ank Gakpo, who is Dutch. He grew up in a sports-oriented family; his father played football in Togo, and his mother was involved in rugby. Gakpo has two brothers, Sidney and Ducferre, both of whom are also footballers.

Youth Development: From a young age, Gakpo was immersed in football, often watching games at the PSV Phillips Stadium. He joined the PSV youth academy at six years old, progressing through the ranks to become a notable prospect.

Club Career:

PSV Eindhoven: Gakpo made his professional debut for PSV's first team in February 2018. He quickly established himself, earning the Dutch Footballer of the Year award in the 2021-22 season after scoring 21 goals in 47 games across all competitions. His performances included a significant contribution to PSV's KNVB Cup win in 2022.

Liverpool FC: In January 2023, Gakpo transferred to Liverpool for a fee reported between £35.4 to £44.3 million. His debut was in the FA Cup against Wolverhampton Wanderers, and he scored his first goal for Liverpool in a Merseyside derby against Everton. Since joining, he has been a versatile player, often deployed across the front line and occasionally in midfield, contributing significantly to the team's performances. By January 2025, Gakpo had played 77 matches for Liverpool, scoring 21 goals and providing 9 assists

International Career:

Netherlands National Team: Gakpo represented the Netherlands at various youth levels before making his senior debut at UEFA Euro 2020. He became the first Dutch player to debut at a European Championship since 1980. He scored his first international goal in a World Cup qualifier against Montenegro in 2021.

Major Tournaments: Gakpo played a pivotal role in the 2022 FIFA World Cup, scoring in all three group stage matches. At UEFA Euro 2024, he was named player of the match in crucial games, including the opening match against Poland and the round of 16 against Romania, where he scored and assisted. He shared the Golden Boot with three goals during the tournament.

Playing Style and Attributes:

Position: Primarily a left winger, Gakpo can also play centrally as a forward. His ability to cut inside from the wing to create scoring opportunities with his right foot is one of his signature moves.

Skills: Known for his speed, dribbling, and finishing, Gakpo's versatility allows him to adapt to different tactical setups. His creative numbers, including assists and key passes during his time at PSV, underline his playmaking ability.

Personal Life:

Faith: Gakpo is a Pentecostal Christian, emphasizing his faith as a significant part of his life, often reading the Bible and going to church.

Relationship: He is in a relationship with Noa van der Bij, which has been public since at least December 2020.

Achievements and Recognition:

Awards: Dutch Footballer of the Year (2021-22), Player of the Match awards in international matches, and joint-winner of the Golden Boot at Euro 2024.

Titles: Gakpo has won several titles, including the Johan Cruyff Shield and the Eredivisie with PSV, and has contributed to Liverpool's campaigns in the Premier League.