Cody Mathès Gakpo

Cody Gakpo began his organized football journey at local amateur club EVV Eindhoven before being scouted and integrated into the prestigious PSV Eindhoven youth academy in 2007. Progressing rapidly through the developmental ranks over a decade, his combination of physical stature and technical finesse provided a robust foundation for elite competition. This rigorous academy schooling ultimately prepared him for his successful transition into top-flight professional football.

Cody Gakpo officially made his professional first-team debut for PSV Eindhoven in February 2018, marking the beginning of a highly successful domestic tenure. Progressing rapidly through the senior ranks, his combination of physical stature and technical finesse immediately caught the attention of European scouts. During his early years, he steadily established himself as a regular starter, contributing crucial goals in both domestic league matches and European qualifiers.

During his remarkable spell at PSV, Gakpo evolved into the undisputed talisman of the squad, showcasing an incredible knack for scoring and assisting. His breakout 2021-2022 season saw him net 21 goals across all competitions, culminating in him winning the prestigious Dutch Footballer of the Year award. He further solidified his legacy by helping the club secure the KNVB Cup and the Johan Cruyff Shield before top European clubs began fiercely competing for his signature.

In January 2023, Gakpo secured a high-profile transfer to English heavyweights Liverpool FC, embracing the challenge of the physically demanding Premier League. Despite initial adaptation periods, his tactical versatility allowed him to thrive under Jurgen Klopp and subsequent management setups. He quickly became a fan favorite at Anfield, famously contributing to historic victories and lifting the EFL Cup with the squad in 2024.

Throughout the 2025-2026 domestic season, Gakpo continued to be a highly reliable attacking outlet for Liverpool across domestic and European competitions. Operating primarily on the left wing, his ability to influence matches through sheer volume of involvement and direct running yielded crucial goals against top-tier opposition. His sustained performances earned him a lucrative contract extension, ensuring his long-term commitment to the Merseyside club until 2030.

On the international stage, Gakpo's trajectory has been equally impressive since his senior debut at UEFA Euro 2020. He truly announced himself globally during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, scoring three consecutive group-stage goals. Heading into the 2026 FIFA World Cup, manager Ronald Koeman relies heavily on Gakpo's elite delivery and physical presence, cementing his status as the primary attacking catalyst for the Dutch national team.

Off the pitch, Cody Gakpo leads a deeply grounded and spiritually fulfilling life, heavily influenced by his tight-knit family and strong Christian faith. He is in a committed, long-term relationship with his partner, Noa van der Bij, a successful model and management graduate. The couple happily welcomed their first child, a son named Samu, in 2024, which Gakpo frequently cites as a profound source of personal joy and daily motivation.

Gakpo maintains an incredibly close bond with his parents, often crediting his father for instilling a relentless work ethic and rigorous discipline during his childhood. He famously revealed that his father, even as he approaches sixty, continues to run intense, post-match training sessions in their family garden to help him correct specific tactical mistakes made during high-profile Champions League matches. This unique, enduring family dynamic highlights his incredible humility and continuous desire for self-improvement.

Beyond his professional footballing commitments, the Dutch forward is highly respected for his charitable endeavors and community involvement. He is a dedicated philanthropist who actively supports various youth development programs in his hometown of Eindhoven, providing crucial resources for underprivileged children to access sporting facilities. Furthermore, his devotion to his faith remains a central pillar of his identity, frequently utilizing prayer to guide major life and career decisions.