Cody Gakpo: Stats, Net Worth, Cleats, Wife, Parents and Biography

Cody Gakpo: The Versatile Visionary – Rising to Greatness in Football and Beyond.

Cody Gakpo, a name synonymous with versatility and excellence in football, has captured the hearts of fans worldwide with his incredible talent and dedication. Born on May 7, 1999, in Eindhoven, Netherlands, Gakpo has risen through the ranks to become one of the most dynamic players for both Liverpool FC and the Netherlands national team. His journey from humble beginnings to becoming a football sensation is a story of passion, hard work, and family support.

Player Personal Data

Full Name: Cody Mathès Gakpo
Date of Birth: May 7, 1999
Place of Birth: Eindhoven, Netherlands
Nationality: Dutch
Height: 1.93m
Position: Forward
Preferred Foot: Right
Current Club: Liverpool FC
International Team: Netherlands
Net Worth: $10 million

Early Life and Family Background

Growing up in Stratum, a neighborhood in Eindhoven, Cody Gakpo was introduced to football at an early age. His parents, Johnny Gakpo (a former footballer with Togolese and Ghanaian roots) and Ank Gakpo (a former professional rugby player for the Netherlands), provided a strong foundation for his athletic pursuits.

Johnny Gakpo: Played for the Togolese national team and PSV Eindhoven’s reserve team before transitioning to philanthropy in Togo.
Ank Gakpo: Currently a teacher, Ank instilled discipline and a love for sports in Cody and his siblings.

Cody shares a close bond with his brothers, Sidney and Ducferre, who also played football during their early years. The Gakpo family emphasized values such as hard work, humility, and dedication, which have been instrumental in Cody’s rise.

Early Career and Rise to Prominence

Cody Gakpo began his football journey at EVV Eindhoven AV at the tender age of four. By 2007, his exceptional skills earned him a spot at PSV Eindhoven’s youth academy, where he honed his abilities.

PSV Eindhoven Debut: On February 25, 2018, Gakpo made his first-team debut in a 3-1 win over Feyenoord, coming on as a substitute.
Breakout Season: During the 2019–2020 season, Gakpo became a regular starter, scoring pivotal goals and showcasing his potential.

In the 2021-2022 season, Gakpo scored 21 goals in 47 appearances, earning the prestigious Dutch Footballer of the Year award. This performance caught the attention of major European clubs, leading to his transfer to Liverpool FC.

Liverpool Journey and Achievements

Cody Gakpo officially joined Liverpool on December 28, 2022, marking a new chapter in his career. His debut came on January 7, 2023, in an FA Cup match against Wolverhampton Wanderers.

First Liverpool Goal: Gakpo scored his debut goal for Liverpool on February 13, 2023, in a 2-0 victory over Everton during the Merseyside derby.
Memorable Performances: Gakpo played a crucial role in Liverpool’s iconic 7-0 win against Manchester United, cementing his place as a fan favorite.

By December 2024, Gakpo had scored significant goals against teams like Real Madrid and Manchester City, contributing to Liverpool’s strong position in both the Premier League and Champions League.

International Success with the Netherlands

Gakpo has represented the Netherlands across various youth levels, including U18, U19, U20, and U21, scoring 11 goals in 21 appearances.

Senior Debut: He made his senior international debut on June 21, 2021, against North Macedonia during UEFA Euro 2020.
First International Goal: Gakpo scored his maiden goal for the Netherlands on September 4, 2021, in a 4-0 win against Montenegro during the FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

As of 2024, Gakpo has 36 caps and 14 goals for the Netherlands, playing a pivotal role in the team’s success in the UEFA Nations League and other international tournaments.

Playing Style and Strengths

Cody Gakpo’s playing style is a blend of creativity, speed, and precision. Primarily a forward, he is equally effective on the wings, particularly the left.

Key Attributes:
- Exceptional dribbling and acceleration
- Powerful and accurate shots
- Vision and creativity for key passes and assists
- Strong aerial presence due to his 1.93m height
- Versatility in set-piece situations

Gakpo’s ability to adapt to different positions and roles makes him an invaluable asset for both club and country.

Personal Life and Relationship

Gakpo is in a long-term relationship with Noa Van der Bij, a Dutch model and junior booker for Cachet Models. The couple has been together since December 2020. Noa is also pursuing a management degree at Avans University of Applied Sciences.

She often shares glimpses of their life together on Instagram, where she has a substantial following.

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Net Worth and Market Value

Cody Gakpo’s financial success mirrors his football achievements:

Net Worth: Estimated at $10 million (2024)
Market Value: €55 million
Annual Salary: Earns approximately £6.2 million at Liverpool
Endorsements: Includes sponsorships, merchandise sales, and media appearances.

Memorable Career Highlights

First Professional Hat-Trick: Scored on December 3, 2018, in a 5-1 victory over Go Ahead Eagles.
Dutch Footballer of the Year: Won in 2021-2022 after an exceptional season with PSV.
Liverpool Debut Goal: Scored against Everton in the 2023 Merseyside derby.
Historic 7-0 Victory: Contributed significantly to Liverpool’s win against Manchester United.
International Debut: Played for the Netherlands during UEFA Euro 2020.

Cody Gakpo’s story is far from over. With his dynamic playing style and relentless drive, he continues to inspire fans worldwide, proving that hard work and versatility are the keys to greatness.