Cody Mathès Gakpo, born on May 7, 1999, in Eindhoven, Netherlands, is a Dutch professional footballer who plays as a center-forward or attacking midfielder for Liverpool and the Netherlands national team. He was born to a Dutch mother, Ank Gakpo, and a Togolese father, Johnny Gakpo. Growing up in a sports-centric household, Gakpo was influenced by his parents’ athleticism, setting the stage for his future in football. His brothers, Sidney and Ducferre, both pursued football professionally, further inspiring Cody’s journey in the sport. His close bond with his eldest brother Sidney, who was also his protector, played a significant role in shaping his early life. Cody has been in a relationship with Noa van der Bij since at least December 2020.
Football Beginnings
Cody’s passion for football began at the young age of four, displaying natural talent that soon became apparent. He joined EVV Eindhoven, a local football club, where he honed his skills. By age six, he passed PSV’s youth trials, securing a spot in the renowned PSV Academy. During the 2007-08 season, he contributed to his team’s victory in the F1 division, showcasing his abilities as a forward. Gakpo’s time at PSV set the foundation for his professional career.
Rise to Professional Football
Gakpo’s big break came on February 25, 2018, when he officially became a professional footballer. His growth was further accelerated by his relationship with former Dutch international Mark van Bommel, who helped sharpen Gakpo’s tactical understanding of the game. His performance in the 2019-20 season earned him recognition in the Eredivisie, and he contributed to PSV’s success, including winning the Johan Cruyff Shield and Eredivisie titles. One of his standout moments came in 2022 when he played a crucial role in securing PSV’s KNVB Cup victory over Ajax.
Move to Liverpool and EPL Journey
In December 2022, Gakpo signed with Liverpool, marking the start of a new chapter in his career. He debuted for the club on January 7, 2023, in a 2-2 FA Cup match against Wolves. His first goal for Liverpool came during a 2-0 Merseyside derby victory over Everton on February 13, 2023. Gakpo plays primarily as a left-wing forward, often cutting inside to take on central attacking roles, utilizing his speed and dribbling abilities to break down defenses.
Career Stats and Achievements
At PSV, Gakpo made significant contributions over several years, with 147 appearances, 28 assists, and 19 goals. Since joining Liverpool, he has continued to impress, making 36 EPL appearances. His versatility is evident, with 9 goals across 21 wins, and he demonstrated his ambidexterity by scoring with both feet. Gakpo was named the Dutch Footballer of the Year in the 2021-2022 season after an impressive 21 goals in 47 games across all competitions. He has also scored 10 goals in 25 appearances for the Netherlands national team.
Financial Success and Net Worth
Cody Gakpo’s financial success has followed his rise in football. From earning £230k to £240k annually during his time at PSV (2017-2023), his salary skyrocketed to £6.2 million following his move to Liverpool in 2023. As of now, his net worth is estimated to be around $10 million. However, there is little information available about his brand endorsements or advertisement deals.
Awards and Honors
Gakpo’s impressive career has been marked by several accolades. At PSV, he won the Eredivisie title in 2017-18, the KNVB Cup in 2021-22, and the Johan Cruyff Shield in both 2021 and 2022. At Liverpool, he secured the EFL Cup in 2023-24. Individually, he was named Dutch Footballer of the Year in 2021-22 and earned multiple Eredivisie Player of the Month awards in 2022. He was also a shared top scorer in the 2024 UEFA European Football Championship. These achievements underline his growing prominence in football.
