by Cody Mathès Gakpo, born on May 7, 1999, in Eindhoven, Netherlands, has rapidly ascended the ranks of professional football to establish himself as a prominent forward for both Liverpool FC and the Netherlands national team. Standing at 1.93 meters, Gakpo is celebrated for his versatility, adept at playing as a left winger or center-forward, and is known for his speed, precise dribbling, and clinical finishing.
Early Life and Background
Raised in the Stratum district of Eindhoven, Gakpo was born to a Togolese father with Ghanaian heritage and a Dutch mother. His multicultural background has been a significant influence throughout his life and career. Gakpo’s football journey commenced at a young age when he joined the youth academy of FC Eindhoven in 2003. Four years later, in 2007, he transitioned to PSV Eindhoven’s youth system, where he honed his skills and developed his passion for the game.
Club Career
PSV Eindhoven
Gakpo’s professional debut came with Jong PSV, the reserve team, on November 4, 2016, in a match against Helmond Sport. His impressive performances in the youth leagues led to his promotion to PSV’s first team. He made his Eredivisie debut on February 25, 2018, as a late substitute in a 3-1 victory over Feyenoord. The 2018-2019 season marked his emergence as a key player, highlighted by a hat-trick against Go Ahead Eagles on December 3, 2018. Over the next few seasons, Gakpo’s influence grew, culminating in a standout 2021-2022 season where he netted 21 goals across all competitions and was honored as the Dutch Footballer of the Year. His tenure at PSV was decorated with titles, including the Eredivisie championship in 2017-2018 and the KNVB Cup in 2021-2022.
Liverpool FC
On December 28, 2022, Liverpool FC announced an agreement to sign Gakpo, with the transfer becoming official on January 1, 2023. The reported transfer fee ranged between £35.4 to £44.3 million, setting a record for PSV. Gakpo debuted for Liverpool on January 7, 2023, in an FA Cup match against Wolverhampton Wanderers. He scored his inaugural goal for the club on February 13, 2023, during a 2-0 Merseyside derby victory over Everton. Since joining Liverpool, Gakpo has become an integral part of the squad, contributing to their EFL Cup triumph in the 2023-2024 season.
International Career
Eligible to represent the Netherlands, Ghana, or Togo, Gakpo chose to play for the Dutch national team. He progressed through various youth levels before making his senior debut on June 21, 2021, during UEFA Euro 2020 against North Macedonia, becoming the first Dutch player since 1980 to debut in a European Championship. Gakpo’s international prominence rose during the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where he scored in three consecutive group-stage matches against Senegal, Ecuador, and Qatar. In UEFA Euro 2024, he continued his impressive form, earning Player of the Match honors in the opening win against Poland and the Round of 16 victory over Romania. With three goals in the tournament, Gakpo shared the Golden Boot in a six-way tie.
Playing Style
Primarily a right-footed attacker, Gakpo often operates from the left wing, utilizing his ability to cut inside and pose a central threat. His versatility allows him to function effectively as a center-forward, a role he has frequently undertaken at Liverpool. Gakpo’s game is characterized by his speed, dribbling prowess, and tactical intelligence, enabling him to navigate tight defenses and create scoring opportunities.
Personal Life
Beyond the pitch, Gakpo is known for his strong Pentecostal Christian faith. He engages in daily Bible readings and prayer, and during the 2022 FIFA World Cup, he, along with teammate Memphis Depay, led Bible study sessions for fellow Dutch players. Gakpo’s commitment to his faith is a cornerstone of his personal and professional life, guiding his actions and interactions both on and off the field.
Career Statistics and Honors
Club Achievements:
- PSV Eindhoven:
- Eredivisie Champion: 2017-2018
- KNVB Cup Winner: 2021-2022
- Johan Cruyff Shield: 2021, 2022
- Liverpool FC:
- EFL Cup Winner: 2023-2024
Individual Accolades:
- Dutch Footballer of the Year: 2021-2022
- Eredivisie Player of the Month: September 2022, October 2022
- BBC Goal of the Month: January 2025
- UEFA European Championship Top Goalscorer: 2024 (shared)
Cody Gakpo’s journey from a young talent in Eindhoven to an international football star exemplifies dedication, versatility, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. As he continues to evolve and impact the game, his story serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes worldwide.
