Cody Gakpo, born May 7, 1999, in Eindhoven, Netherlands, is a promising Dutch professional footballer who plays forward for Premier League side Liverpool and the Netherlands national team.
He began his junior career at EVV Eindhoven AV before joining PSV Eindhoven’s youth academy in 2007. Gakpo made his first-team debut in February 2018, coming on as an injury time substitute in a 3-1 win over Feyenoord.
Gakpo signed with Liverpool on December 28, 2022, and made his debut as a starter on January 7, 2023, in a 2-2 FA Cup third-round encounter against Wolves. Gakpo has represented the Netherlands at multiple youth levels, including U18, U19, U20, and U21.
He made his senior international debut in June 2021 at the UEFA Euro 2020.
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The Early Years of Cody Gakpo
He grew up in Stratum, where he developed an early interest in football. His parents, Johnny Gakpo (Togolese with Ghanaian origin) and Ank Gakpo (Dutch), were instrumental in cultivating his skill.
Gakpo began playing football at the age of four for local team EVV Eindhoven. In 2007, he joined PSV Eindhoven’s youth academy, where he worked his way up the ranks and refined his skills.
His parents’ encouragement, together with his early exposure to football at PSV’s elite academy, lay the groundwork for his successful career.
Loving Family of Cody Gakpo
Cody Gakpo comes from a family with a strong athletic background. Johnny Gakpo, his father, was born in Togo and played football for the national team before going to the Netherlands.
Johnny also played with PSV Eindhoven’s reserve team. Johnny is currently retired and dedicated to philanthropic work, particularly in Togo. He has participated in a variety of humanitarian activities to benefit impoverished people in his own country.
His mother, Ank Gakpo, is Dutch and played professional rugby for the Netherlands national team. Ank now works as a teacher at a secondary school in the Netherlands. Cody grew up playing football alongside his older brother, Sidney, and younger brother, Ducferre.
Cody’s athletic career was shaped in large part by his family’s involvement in sports.Both of his parents have been extremely supportive of his job, creating a secure and encouraging environment.
Cody’s parents have played an important part in creating his attitude and career, instilling principles such as hard work, devotion, and humility.
Inside the love life of Cody Gakpo
Cody Gakpo’s girlfriend is Noa Van der Bij, a Dutch model. They have been together since December 2020 and have been incredibly supportive of one another. Noa works as a junior booker for Cachet Models while also studying management at Avans University of Applied Sciences.
She has a large Instagram following, where she frequently offers peeks of her affluent lifestyle and her relationship with Cody.
What is Cody Gakpo FIFA Rating?
Cody Gakpo’s overall rating in FIFA 24 is around 83, and it could increase in the upcoming time . His strengths are dribbling and shooting , with probable ratings of 83 and 83, respectively.
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Cody Gakpo Club Career
Cody Gakpo’s club career has been distinguished by steady improvement and standout performances. Gakpo began his football career with EVV Eindhoven AV before joining PSV Eindhoven’s junior school in 2007.
He rose through the ranks at PSV, demonstrating remarkable potential. On February 25, 2018, Gakpo made his first-team debut for PSV Eindhoven, defeating Feyenoord 3-1.
He entered the game as a substitute during injury time. His breakout season occurred in the 2019–2020 season, when he became a regular starter for PSV. His performances began to draw attention from larger establishments.
His breakout season occurred in the 2019–2020 season, when he became a regular starter for PSV. His performances began to draw attention from larger establishments.
In the 2021-2022 season, Gakpo scored 21 goals in 47 appearances and was named Dutch Footballer of the Year, emphasizing his impact and contribution to the squad. On December 28, 2022, Gakpo decided to join Liverpool.
He officially joined the Premier League team, beginning an exciting new chapter in his career. Gakpo made his Liverpool debut on January 7, 2023, starting in a 2-2 FA Cup third-round match against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
He scored his first goal for Liverpool on February 13, 2023, in a 2-0 victory over Everton in the Merseyside derby, soon winning over the supporters.
Cody Gakpo Flourishing Career in International Stage
Gakpo has represented the Netherlands at multiple youth levels, including U18, U19, U20, and U21. He played 21 games and scored 11 goals for these young teams.
Gakpo made his senior international debut on June 21, 2021, against North Macedonia at the UEFA Euro 2020. He entered as a substitute in the 80th minute. He scored his first international goal on September 4, 2021, in a 4-0 win against Montenegro as part of the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification.
As of December 2024, Gakpo has 36 caps for the Netherlands and 14 goals. His contributions have been significant to the team’s success. Gakpo has been an important player in the UEFA Nations League, helping the Netherlands win games and retain their high place in the league.
Cody Gakpo’s international career has been highlighted by his steady performances and goal-scoring skills, making him a crucial member of the Netherlands national team.
Cody Gakpo Dynamic Playing Style
Gakpo primarily plays forward, but he is also comfortable on the wings, notably on the left. His ability to play several positions makes him an invaluable addition to any squad.
Gakpo is well-known for his exceptional dribbling ability and rapid acceleration. He can take on defenders one-on-one and make room for himself and his teammates. He has a sharp eye for goal and is a great finisher, both inside and outside the box.
His strong and accurate shots present a continuous threat to goalkeepers. Gakpo has excellent vision and creativity, which allows him to make vital passes and assists.
He can generate scoring opportunities for his teammates by using his awareness and technical ability. He has a strong work rate and is noted for his endurance, contributing both offensively and defensively throughout the game.
Gakpo is especially good in set-piece situations, whether taking direct free kicks, delivering accurate crosses, or serving as a target for corners and free kicks thanks to his height.
Cody Gakpo’s dynamic and versatile playing style makes him an important player for both Liverpool and the Netherlands national team. His ability to adapt and perform in a variety of positions on the field demonstrates his football knowledge and talent.
Memorable moments in his career
Gakpo scored his first professional hat-trick on December 3, 2018, in a 5-1 victory over the Go Ahead Eagles, demonstrating his early career potential. Gakpo won the Dutch Footballer of the Year title for the 2021-2022 season after scoring 21 goals in 47 appearances, cementing his place as one of the Eredivisie’s finest players.
Gakpo scored his first Liverpool goal on February 13, 2023, in a 2-0 victory over Everton in the Merseyside derby, soon winning over the supporters. Gakpo scored in Liverpool’s epic 7-0 triumph over Manchester United in the 2022-2023 season, helping the club to one of its most memorable victories.
Gakpo had a remarkable week in December 2024, scoring in wins over Real Madrid and Manchester City to help Liverpool maintain their lead in both the Champions League and the Premier League. Gakpo made his senior international debut on June 21, 2021, against North Macedonia at the UEFA Euro 2020.
He scored his first international goal on September 4, 2021, in a 4-0 win against Montenegro as part of the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification.
These moments demonstrate Gakpo’s development and impact as a player, both at the club and international levels. His ability to execute in critical moments has made him an important player for Liverpool and the Netherlands national team.
Cody Gakpo Net Worth
Cody Gakpo currently has a net worth of approximately $10 million. From 2017 to 2023, the Dutch forward earned between £230,000 and £240,000 per year at PSV.
However, his income increased from £230,000 to £6.2 million when he signed a contract with Liverpool, the English Premier League giant, in 2023.
His main sources of wealth are his expensive football contracts, endorsements, bonuses, and sponsorship agreements. As a professional athlete, Gakpo makes extra money through media appearances, interviews, and public engagements.
His popularity also boosts merchandise sales, which include jerseys, posters, and other fan gear. These sources of income help to increase his overall net worth and financial security.