Cody Gakpo

Cody Gakpo is a Dutch professional footballer who plays as a forward or winger for Liverpool and the Netherlands national team. Known for his pace, technical skill, and composure in front of goal, he has established himself as a versatile attacking threat capable of playing across the front line. Gakpo rose through the academy at PSV Eindhoven, where his prolific scoring and creativity earned him the Dutch Footballer of the Year award for the 2021-2022 season. That form led to a high-profile move to Liverpool in January 2023, where he quickly became an important part of the squad, contributing goals and adaptability in the Premier League and Champions League. On the international stage, he has been a consistent performer for the Netherlands, notably scoring three goals at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. His combination of height, athleticism, and technical ability makes him a modern forward who can both score and create. Fans and pundits alike regard him as one of the most promising Dutch talents of his generation.[edit]

Gakpo was born and raised in Eindhoven, a city in the south of the Netherlands. He joined the youth academy of PSV Eindhoven at age eight, progressing through the ranks alongside future teammates. His father was a footballer in Togo, and his mother is Dutch; the family environment was supportive of his athletic ambitions. As a teenager, he balanced school with intensive training, often playing up an age group. He made his senior debut for PSV's reserve team in the Eerste Divisie before breaking into the first team. His early breakthrough came in the 2018-2019 season, when he made his Eredivisie debut under manager Mark van Bommel. By the end of that campaign, he had already shown flashes of the pace and directness that would define his game.[edit]

Gakpo established himself as a regular starter for PSV during the 2019-2020 season, scoring his first senior goal in September 2019. His best season came in 2021-2022, when he scored 21 goals and provided 15 assists across all competitions, earning the Dutch Footballer of the Year award. He also helped PSV win the KNVB Cup in 2022. His performances attracted attention from top European clubs, and in January 2023 he signed for Liverpool in a transfer worth an initial £35.4 million. He scored his first Liverpool goal in an FA Cup tie against Wolverhampton Wanderers later that month. In his first full season at Anfield, he adapted to the Premier League's physicality, contributing regularly in attack and showing versatility across the front three. For the Netherlands, he made his senior debut in 2021 and scored three goals at the 2022 World Cup, becoming the first Dutch player to score in each of his first three World Cup matches.[edit]

Gakpo is widely regarded as a composed, professional, and hardworking player, both on and off the pitch. In the media, he is often described as a versatile forward with a mature head on young shoulders. His playing style is marked by direct runs, intelligent movement, and an ability to finish with either foot. He has a significant social media following, particularly on Instagram, where he shares training clips, match highlights, and personal moments. Fans appreciate his humility and dedication; he rarely courts controversy and is seen as a role model for young Dutch footballers. His signature celebration, a simple point to the sky, is a tribute to his late grandfather.[edit]

Cody Gakpo stands as the 6th most famous person from Netherlands, a standing confirmed by the iFANN Global Fame Rankings in August 2026. His ascent from the PSV academy to Liverpool's frontline has cemented his status not just as a player, but as a cultural touchstone for Dutch football. The numbers track global attention across media coverage, search trends, and consumption signals worldwide, placing him firmly among the continent's elite icons. Yet his fame extends beyond mere statistics; it is rooted in the raw emotion he displayed during Euro 2024. Following the death of his father, Gakpo took to the pitch with a visible grief that resonated globally, creating a narrative of resilience that fans continue to discuss years later. This moment transformed him from a talented winger into a symbol of human endurance under pressure. While his support base lacks a formal name like 'The Gakpo Army,' his fanbase is deeply integrated into the massive communities of Liverpool FC and the Netherlands national team, known affectionately as Oranje. Social media interactions on Instagram reveal a humble figure who shares training clips and family moments rather than seeking adoration. There are no specific fan-led campaigns or rituals unique to him alone; instead, his supporters rally behind him through the established channels of his clubs. As rumors swirl in 2026 about a potential move to Tottenham Hotspur, the story of his career remains one of steady growth and emotional depth, proving that true stardom often lies in how one handles life's heaviest burdens while playing the beautiful game.[edit]

Cody Mathes Gakpo carries a middle name honoring his father's Togolese heritage, reflecting the diverse roots of his family. Standing at 6 feet 3 inches, he possesses a rare height advantage for a forward in the Premier League. His childhood hero was Thierry Henry, a fact that echoes in Gakpo's own fluid style and direct running. He keeps grounded by playing video games and spending time with family, hobbies that contrast sharply with his high-profile career. A lion tattoo on his arm serves as a permanent reminder of strength and leadership. He wears the number 18 shirt for both Liverpool and PSV Eindhoven, a consistent thread through his professional journey. Beyond the stats, Gakpo is remembered for a defining moment at Euro 2024. After losing his father, he played with profound emotion, leading to a viral image of his tearful celebration that became an enduring story of his character. Fans still retell this chapter as proof of his mental fortitude. Another developing legend involves the 2026 transfer saga, where reports emerged of Tottenham Hotspur making him a top target. This looming departure adds a layer of uncertainty to his legacy, framing his current tenure as a pivotal chapter in a larger career arc.[edit]

Gakpo was born to a Dutch mother, Ank, and a Togolese father, Johnny, who played football in Togo. He has a younger sister named Sienna. The family lived in Eindhoven throughout his childhood. As of 2026, Gakpo is in a long-term relationship with Noa van der Hoeven, whom he has been dating since 2017. The couple keeps their private life relatively low-key, and there are no public reports of children or marriage. He has a pet dog, a French bulldog named Nala, who occasionally appears on his social media.[edit]

Gakpo has played alongside notable teammates including Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah, and Trent Alexander-Arnold at Liverpool. At PSV, he was coached by Mark van Bommel and Ruud van Nistelrooy. He has also shared the pitch with Memphis Depay and Frenkie de Jong for the Netherlands.[edit]

Gakpo has been in a relationship with Noa van der Hoeven since 2017. The couple met in their hometown of Eindhoven and have maintained a private relationship away from the public eye. They occasionally appear together on social media, but neither has confirmed any engagement or marriage plans. As of 2026, they are still together, and there are no reports of other public relationships in his past.[edit]

Per iFANN's editorial analysis, Cody Gakpo's net worth stands at $12 Million as of 2026. His financial foundation rests primarily on his substantial salary from Liverpool, where he commands £120,000 per week under a contract extending through 2028. The initial fee paid for his transfer from PSV in January 2023 totaled £35.4 million, with additional performance-based add-ons included in the deal. Commercial partnerships with Nike and other major brands further bolster his income stream. Since arriving in England. This financial trajectory mirrors his rising prominence on the pitch, transforming a promising young talent into a commercially viable star capable of commanding significant endorsement deals alongside his weekly earnings.[edit]

Gakpo won the Dutch Footballer of the Year award for the 2021-2022 season, recognizing his outstanding performances for PSV. He also helped PSV win the KNVB Cup in 2022. At Liverpool, he has been part of the squad that reached the UEFA Europa League final in 2024.[edit]