Early Life and Family Background
Cody Mathès Gakpo, born on May 7, 1999, in Eindhoven, Netherlands, is a professional footballer currently playing as a center-forward and attacking midfielder for both Liverpool and the Netherlands national team. Raised in a sports-centric household, Gakpo was born to a Dutch mother, Ank Gakpo, and a Togolese father, Johnny Gakpo. His two brothers, Sidney and Ducferre, also pursued football professionally, which had a profound influence on his journey. Gakpo has been in a relationship with Noa van der Bij since December 2020.
Football Beginnings and Early Career
Gakpo’s passion for football began at the age of four, and by six, he was already impressing at local club EVV Eindhoven. His talent quickly caught the attention of PSV Eindhoven, where he joined their youth academy. Gakpo’s early years at PSV were marked by his role in the team’s victory in the F1 division during the 2007-08 season, laying a strong foundation for his future in professional football.
Rise to Professional Football and Achievements
In 2018, Gakpo officially became a professional footballer, further developing under the guidance of former Dutch international Mark van Bommel. His rise was swift, with standout performances in the Eredivisie, helping PSV win the Johan Cruyff Shield and Eredivisie titles. In 2022, he played a key role in PSV’s KNVB Cup victory over Ajax.
Move to Liverpool and Premier League Success
In December 2022, Gakpo signed with Liverpool, marking a new chapter in his career. He made his debut in January 2023 and scored his first goal for the club in the Merseyside derby against Everton in February 2023. Gakpo has since continued to shine at Liverpool, demonstrating his speed, dribbling, and versatility on the field.
Career Stats and Financial Success
At PSV, Gakpo made 147 appearances, scoring 19 goals and providing 28 assists. His move to Liverpool saw his salary increase significantly to £6.2 million annually. Gakpo’s current net worth is estimated to be around $10 million.
Awards and Honors
Gakpo’s footballing career has been marked by several prestigious awards, including Dutch Footballer of the Year for the 2021-2022 season. He also contributed to PSV’s Eredivisie, KNVB Cup, and Johan Cruyff Shield wins and helped Liverpool secure the 2023-24 EFL Cup.
