{"id":245109,"first_name":"Cody","last_name":"Gakpo","short_name":"C. Gakpo","common_name":"Cody Gakpo","place_of_birth":"Eindhoven","gender":"male","height":187,"weight":78,"status":"active","createdAt":"2024-11-06T09:58:58.958Z","updatedAt":"2025-06-10T14:26:04.883Z","locale":"en","age":25,"stb_id":"cody-gakpo","description":null,"tier":null,"common_name_en":"Cody Gakpo","top_position":null,"introduction":"Cody Mathès Gakpo is a prominent Dutch professional footballer known for his adept forward play. Currently, he showcases his talents for Premier League club Liverpool and represents the Netherlands national team. A standout career moment was his recognition as the Dutch Footballer of the Year for the 2021–22 season, a testament to his exceptional performance, where he netted 21 goals in 47 matches across all competitions.","early_life_and_career":"\n## Early Years\nCody Gakpo was born on 7 May 1999 in Eindhoven, Netherlands, and was raised in the vibrant district of Stratum. His father has Togolese origins with Ghanaian ancestry, while his mother is Dutch. Starting from a young age, Gakpo was immersed in a multicultural environment that shaped his early life. In 2007, as a promising young talent, he took a significant step towards professional football by joining the youth academy of PSV, the renowned Dutch club.\n\n## Youth Career\nGakpo's football journey began within the PSV youth academy, where he displayed remarkable progress through the ranks. His development in the youth teams was marked by consistent performances that laid a strong foundation for his future successes. He first joined the PSV reserve side, Jong PSV, in the 2016–17 season, where he showcased his potential by contributing significantly to the under-19 team with seven goals and five assists in 13 league matches. This breakthrough eventually led to his promotion to the reserve team.","professional_career_and_highlights":"\n## Club Career\n### PSV\nCody Gakpo's professional career took flight at PSV, where he made his debut for Jong PSV in the Eerste Divisie on 4 November 2016. Initially, marking sporadic appearances, Gakpo demonstrated his skill by scoring a brace and assisting another goal during a match against De Graafschap in January 2017. His ascendancy continued as he debuted for PSV's first team in February 2018 against Feyenoord. Over subsequent seasons, Gakpo's on-field prowess grew significantly. The 2018–19 season witnessed his stunning rise as he delivered notable performances, including a memorable hat-trick against Go Ahead Eagles. By the 2020–21 season, Gakpo had cemented his role, highlighted by two braces contributing to both PSV's Eredivisie and Europa League campaigns.\n\n### Liverpool\nIn a landmark transfer, Gakpo joined Liverpool in January 2023 for a record fee ranging from £35.4 to £44.3 million. His Premier League journey began with an FA Cup match against Wolverhampton Wanderers on 7 January 2023. Gakpo quickly integrated into the team, scoring his first goal for Liverpool during a significant derby victory over Everton in February 2023.\n\n## National Team Career\n### Youth National Teams\nCody Gakpo represented the Netherlands across various youth levels, from under-18 to under-21. His early involvement with the national teams set the stage for his future senior team appearances.\n\n### Senior National Team\nGakpo made his senior debut at UEFA Euro 2020 against North Macedonia, becoming the first Dutch player in 41 years to debut at a European Championship. He scored his maiden international goal in a World Cup qualifier versus Montenegro in September 2021. During the 2022 FIFA World Cup, he was instrumental for the Netherlands, scoring in each group stage match. He continued his impressive international form into UEFA Euro 2024, scoring key goals that earned him the tournament's Golden Boot.","playing_style_and_skills":"\n## Player Characteristics\nCody Gakpo primarily operates as a left winger, possessing the versatility to perform as a central forward. Known for his agility and speed, he frequently cuts inside from the wing to unleash attacks using his right foot. Over time, particularly during his tenure at Liverpool, Gakpo has adapted to midfield and center-forward roles, demonstrating tactical flexibility and contributing to both offensive and defensive phases of play.\n\n## Performance Statistics\nGakpo's football record is marked by critical goals and assists throughout his career. By December 2024, his contributions for Liverpool and the Netherlands national team are reflected in numerous appearances and pivotal goals that have frequently turned matches in his favor.\n\n## Records\nGakpo's most notable records include his achievement as the Dutch Footballer of the Year for the 2021–22 season and his distinction as a top goalscorer at the UEFA European Football Championship 2024.","notable_achievements":"\n## Achievements\n### Team Achievements\n- Eredivisie Champion with PSV (2017–18)\n- KNVB Cup Winner (2021–22)\n- Johan Cruyff Shield Winner (2021, 2022)\n- EFL Cup with Liverpool (2023–24)\n\n### Individual Achievements\n- Dutch Footballer of the Year (2021–22)\n- Eredivisie Player of the Month (September 2022, October 2022)\n- UEFA European Football Championship Top Goalscorer (2024, shared)\n\n## Awards and Recognition\nThroughout his career, Gakpo has received several monthly and yearly accolades for his top-notch performances, affirming his status as one of the most gifted forwards of his generation.","impact_on_sport":"\n## Career Overview\nCody Gakpo's influence on the football pitch is marked by his exceptional technical abilities and versatility. His career narratives reflect a steady rise through the ranks of professional football, from PSV's youth teams to the heights of international tournaments with the Netherlands.\n\n## Off the Field\nIn addition to his football career, Gakpo holds a significant personal conviction as a Pentecostal Christian. During international tournaments like the 2022 FIFA World Cup, he led Bible study sessions alongside teammate Memphis Depay, nurturing a sense of community and faith among fellow players.\n\n## Personal Life\nCody Gakpo balances a fulfilling personal life with his professional commitments. His roots in Eindhoven, family connections, and dedication to spiritual growth depict a well-rounded personality, both on and off the field.","stb_internal_id":"019300e9-bd6c-7dd2-82e1-10a343f7550e","overrides":null,"type_code":"attacker","position_type_code":"attacker","detailed_position_type_code":"left-wing","roles":"player","has_biography":true,"has_membership_relations":true,"has_matches":null,"has_article_relations":false,"has_social_media_relations":false,"introduction_html":"

Cody Mathès Gakpo is a prominent Dutch professional footballer known for his adept forward play. Currently, he showcases his talents for Premier League club Liverpool and represents the Netherlands national team. A standout career moment was his recognition as the Dutch Footballer of the Year for the 2021–22 season, a testament to his exceptional performance, where he netted 21 goals in 47 matches across all competitions.

\n","early_life_and_career_html":"

Early Years

Cody Gakpo was born on 7 May 1999 in Eindhoven, Netherlands, and was raised in the vibrant district of Stratum. His father has Togolese origins with Ghanaian ancestry, while his mother is Dutch. Starting from a young age, Gakpo was immersed in a multicultural environment that shaped his early life. In 2007, as a promising young talent, he took a significant step towards professional football by joining the youth academy of PSV, the renowned Dutch club.

Youth Career

Gakpo's football journey began within the PSV youth academy, where he displayed remarkable progress through the ranks. His development in the youth teams was marked by consistent performances that laid a strong foundation for his future successes. He first joined the PSV reserve side, Jong PSV, in the 2016–17 season, where he showcased his potential by contributing significantly to the under-19 team with seven goals and five assists in 13 league matches. This breakthrough eventually led to his promotion to the reserve team.

\n","professional_career_and_highlights_html":"

Club Career

PSV

Cody Gakpo's professional career took flight at PSV, where he made his debut for Jong PSV in the Eerste Divisie on 4 November 2016. Initially, marking sporadic appearances, Gakpo demonstrated his skill by scoring a brace and assisting another goal during a match against De Graafschap in January 2017. His ascendancy continued as he debuted for PSV's first team in February 2018 against Feyenoord. Over subsequent seasons, Gakpo's on-field prowess grew significantly. The 2018–19 season witnessed his stunning rise as he delivered notable performances, including a memorable hat-trick against Go Ahead Eagles. By the 2020–21 season, Gakpo had cemented his role, highlighted by two braces contributing to both PSV's Eredivisie and Europa League campaigns.

Liverpool

In a landmark transfer, Gakpo joined Liverpool in January 2023 for a record fee ranging from £35.4 to £44.3 million. His Premier League journey began with an FA Cup match against Wolverhampton Wanderers on 7 January 2023. Gakpo quickly integrated into the team, scoring his first goal for Liverpool during a significant derby victory over Everton in February 2023.

National Team Career

Youth National Teams

Cody Gakpo represented the Netherlands across various youth levels, from under-18 to under-21. His early involvement with the national teams set the stage for his future senior team appearances.

Senior National Team

Gakpo made his senior debut at UEFA Euro 2020 against North Macedonia, becoming the first Dutch player in 41 years to debut at a European Championship. He scored his maiden international goal in a World Cup qualifier versus Montenegro in September 2021. During the 2022 FIFA World Cup, he was instrumental for the Netherlands, scoring in each group stage match. He continued his impressive international form into UEFA Euro 2024, scoring key goals that earned him the tournament's Golden Boot.

\n","playing_style_and_skills_html":"

Player Characteristics

Cody Gakpo primarily operates as a left winger, possessing the versatility to perform as a central forward. Known for his agility and speed, he frequently cuts inside from the wing to unleash attacks using his right foot. Over time, particularly during his tenure at Liverpool, Gakpo has adapted to midfield and center-forward roles, demonstrating tactical flexibility and contributing to both offensive and defensive phases of play.

Performance Statistics

Gakpo's football record is marked by critical goals and assists throughout his career. By December 2024, his contributions for Liverpool and the Netherlands national team are reflected in numerous appearances and pivotal goals that have frequently turned matches in his favor.

Records

Gakpo's most notable records include his achievement as the Dutch Footballer of the Year for the 2021–22 season and his distinction as a top goalscorer at the UEFA European Football Championship 2024.

\n","notable_achievements_html":"

Achievements

Team Achievements

Eredivisie Champion with PSV (2017–18)
KNVB Cup Winner (2021–22)
Johan Cruyff Shield Winner (2021, 2022)
EFL Cup with Liverpool (2023–24)

Individual Achievements

Dutch Footballer of the Year (2021–22)
Eredivisie Player of the Month (September 2022, October 2022)
UEFA European Football Championship Top Goalscorer (2024, shared)

Awards and Recognition

Throughout his career, Gakpo has received several monthly and yearly accolades for his top-notch performances, affirming his status as one of the most gifted forwards of his generation.

\n","impact_on_sport_html":"

Career Overview

Cody Gakpo's influence on the football pitch is marked by his exceptional technical abilities and versatility. His career narratives reflect a steady rise through the ranks of professional football, from PSV's youth teams to the heights of international tournaments with the Netherlands.

Off the Field

In addition to his football career, Gakpo holds a significant personal conviction as a Pentecostal Christian. During international tournaments like the 2022 FIFA World Cup, he led Bible study sessions alongside teammate Memphis Depay, nurturing a sense of community and faith among fellow players.

Personal Life

Cody Gakpo balances a fulfilling personal life with his professional commitments. His roots in Eindhoven, family connections, and dedication to spiritual growth depict a well-rounded personality, both on and off the field.

\n","photo":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/108/Photo_of_Cody_Gakpo_6fe7aa6262.jpeg","mime":"image/jpeg","caption":"Photo: Shutterstock","formats":{"large_avif":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/108/large_avif_Photo_of_Cody_Gakpo_6fe7aa6262.avif","mime":"image/avif"},"large_webp":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/108/large_webp_Photo_of_Cody_Gakpo_6fe7aa6262.webp","mime":"image/webp"},"small_avif":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/108/small_avif_Photo_of_Cody_Gakpo_6fe7aa6262.avif","mime":"image/avif"},"small_webp":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/108/small_webp_Photo_of_Cody_Gakpo_6fe7aa6262.webp","mime":"image/webp"},"medium_avif":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/108/medium_avif_Photo_of_Cody_Gakpo_6fe7aa6262.avif","mime":"image/avif"},"medium_webp":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/108/medium_webp_Photo_of_Cody_Gakpo_6fe7aa6262.webp","mime":"image/webp"}}},"traits":[],"social_media":{"id":386303,"esea":null,"esl_gaming":null,"facebook":null,"faceit":null,"instagram":null,"reddit":null,"steam":null,"strava":null,"tiktok":null,"twitch":null,"twitter":null,"website":null,"youtube":null},"nationality":{"id":10736,"name":"Netherlands","country_code":"NLD","iso_code":"NL","createdAt":"2024-11-04T12:00:56.325Z","updatedAt":"2025-06-10T06:27:35.856Z","locale":"en","stb_internal_id":"0192f70c-ad82-7e9b-986a-bc4081d3324f","overrides":null,"icon":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/Netherlands_NL_3a565d49e6.svg","mime":"image/svg+xml","caption":null}},"trophies":[],"footballExtra":{"id":283331,"__component":"person-extra.person-extra-soccer","position":"Attacker","foot":"right"},"membership":{"id":1168990,"end_date":null,"start_date":"2023-01-01","role":"player","active":true,"createdAt":"2024-11-14T23:54:14.872Z","updatedAt":"2025-06-10T14:26:04.842Z","locale":"en","stb_internal_id":"01932d19-50af-7dce-a816-3cf7f51dab53","overrides":null,"team":{"id":49640,"name":"Liverpool FC","short_name":"Liverpool","tla_name":"LIV","type":"club","gender":"male","status":"active","official_name":"Liverpool Football Club","founded":1892,"colors":"Red,White","nicknames":"The Reds","createdAt":"2024-11-04T12:40:06.919Z","updatedAt":"2025-08-16T21:01:57.993Z","website":"https://www.liverpoolfc.com/","address":"Anfield Road","address_city":"Liverpool","address_zip":"L4 OTH","locale":"en","stb_id":"liverpool-fc","tier":1,"description":null,"top_position":null,"history_and_foundation":"## Review of Liverpool FC\n\n**Liverpool** is a professional football club from **England**, founded in **1892**. It is based in **the city of the same name, Liverpool**, in the **northwest of the country**. It is one of the **most successful clubs in Europe**, known for its **passionate fan base**, rich history and **winning traditions**.\n\nThe team has won **England championship 19 times**, became **European champion six times** and has a reputation as a club where **legends are born**.\n\n> \"For millions of fans around the world, Liverpool is not just a club, but a real emotion.\"\n","sporting_achievements":"## Liverpool history\n\nThe club appeared after the **conflict in the ranks of Everton**, when one of the managers decided to create a new team. So, in **1892**, **Liverpool** was born. A few years later, the club became a **notable force** in English football.\n\nThe team won the **first championship** in **1901**, and in the **20s and 30s** it established itself in the elite. However, the **real heyday** came in the **60s and 70s**, when the club was led by such figures as **Bill Shankly and Bob Paisley**.\n\n**During this period**, **Liverpool** became not only the **hegemon of England**, but also one of the **strongest teams in Europe**. In **1977**, the club won the **European Champions Cup** for the first time, and over the next few years added several more titles.\n\n> \"Paisley, by the way, is the only manager to have won this trophy three times.\"\n\n**In the 80s**, **Liverpool** continued to dominate in England, but the **tragedies at the stadiums** – **Geisel and Hillsborough** – left a **deep mark in the history of the club**.\n\n**In 2005**, **Liverpool** once again made the whole world talk about themselves, when in the **Champions League final** they did the impossible – **losing 0:3 after the first half**, equalized and **won on penalties**.\n\n**In 2019** the team conquered Europe again, already with **Jurgen Klopp**. **The following year** **\"Reds\"** became **champions of England** for the first time in **30 years**.\n","club_identity":"## Liverpool stadium\n\nThe home stadium of **Liverpool** is **Anfield**. This is a place where football has not only a sound, but also a **soul**. Built in **1884**, **Enfield** accommodates more than **54 thousand spectators**, and after the new reconstruction the number of seats has increased even more. It is located in the **Enfield** area, near the center of **Liverpool**.\n\n**It's not just an arena** – it's a **sanctuary**. Before the match, the entire stand sings **\"You'll Never Walk Alone\"**, and even non-fans get goosebumps.\n\n> \"Among the famous sectors is the Kop End, the heart of fan support. Here, every match is an event, regardless of the opponent.\"\n\n**They don't just play** football here - they **feel** it here.\n\n## Liverpool achievements\n\n**Liverpool** has one of the **richest trophy collections** in world football:\n\n* **19 times** the team became the **champion of England**, the last time – in **2020**.\n* In the **Champions League**, the club triumphed **six times**: **1977, 1978, 1981, 1984, 2005 and 2019**.\n* Also in the assets of **Liverpool** – **three UEFA Cups** and **four UEFA Super Cups**.\n* In the domestic arena, the club won the **FA Cup eight times** and the **League Cup** as many times.\n* In **2019**, **Liverpool** won the **Club World Cup** for the first time, defeating the Brazilian **\"Flamengo\"**.\n\n> \"Liverpool's achievements are not just numbers, they are stories that the entire football world remembers.\"\n","current_status_and_future":"## Liverpool famous players\n\n**Liverpool** gave the world **dozens of legends**:\n\n1. **Kenny Dalglish** is a symbol of the club in the **70s and 80s**, who was both a **player and a coach**.\n\n2. **Steven Gerrard** – **the heart and soul of Liverpool in the 2000s**, the captain who **never betrayed the team**.\n\n3. **Ian Rush** is **the best goalscorer in the history of the club**, and **John Barnes** is a symbol of **the fight against racism** and talent on the field.\n\n**In recent times**, **Salah, Mane and Firmino** have become **the personification of the club's new era**. Their speed, technique and teamwork made **Liverpool** dangerous for any opponent.\n\n> \"And Virgil van Dijk and Alisson are the ones who stabilized the defense after years of instability.\"\n\n## Liverpool interesting facts\n\n* **Liverpool** is the **only English club** to win the **Champions League** after coming back from a score of **0:3 in the final**. It happened in **2005 in Istanbul** - a match that **forever entered the history of football**.\n\n* **Another interesting fact** – coach **Bill Shankly**, who rebuilt the club in the **60s**, inspired the fans so much that a **monument near the stadium** was erected to him.\n\n* **Another feature of Liverpool** is the unique anthem **\"You'll Never Walk Alone\"**. It is sung before every match, and this tradition has even spread to **other clubs in Europe**.\n\n* Also, **Liverpool** have never lost at home in **European Cups with a crushing score** – even at their worst times.\n\n> \"This is a club that experienced tragedies, emotions, victories and defeats, but always remained itself. And this is the whole essence of Liverpool - it is real.\"\n\n**It is worth noting** that **Liverpool** continues to be one of the **most influential clubs in the world**, combining **rich traditions** with a modern approach to the game. Can the team **repeat the success of the Klopp era**? One thing is certain - the **spirit of Anfield** and the **loyalty of the fans** make **Liverpool** a special place where **dreams come true** and **\"You'll Never Walk Alone\"** remains not just a song, but a **philosophy of life**.\n","stb_internal_id":"0192f730-8963-70fd-b516-65b6c7eaf2c1","overrides":{"name":"Liverpool FC"},"has_social_media_links":true,"has_social_media_relations":false,"has_membership_relations":true,"has_matches":true,"has_article_relations":false,"history_and_foundation_html":"

Review of Liverpool FC

Liverpool is a professional football club from England, founded in 1892. It is based in the city of the same name, Liverpool, in the northwest of the country. It is one of the most successful clubs in Europe, known for its passionate fan base, rich history and winning traditions.

The team has won England championship 19 times, became European champion six times and has a reputation as a club where legends are born.

\n
\"For millions of fans around the world, Liverpool is not just a club, but a real emotion.\"
\n

\n","sporting_achievements_html":"

Liverpool history

The club appeared after the conflict in the ranks of Everton, when one of the managers decided to create a new team. So, in 1892, Liverpool was born. A few years later, the club became a notable force in English football.

The team won the first championship in 1901, and in the 20s and 30s it established itself in the elite. However, the real heyday came in the 60s and 70s, when the club was led by such figures as Bill Shankly and Bob Paisley.

During this period, Liverpool became not only the hegemon of England, but also one of the strongest teams in Europe. In 1977, the club won the European Champions Cup for the first time, and over the next few years added several more titles.

\n
\"Paisley, by the way, is the only manager to have won this trophy three times.\"
\n

In the 80s, Liverpool continued to dominate in England, but the tragedies at the stadiums – Geisel and Hillsborough – left a deep mark in the history of the club.

In 2005, Liverpool once again made the whole world talk about themselves, when in the Champions League final they did the impossible – losing 0:3 after the first half, equalized and won on penalties.

In 2019 the team conquered Europe again, already with Jurgen Klopp. The following year \"Reds\" became champions of England for the first time in 30 years.

\n","club_identity_html":"

Liverpool stadium

The home stadium of Liverpool is Anfield. This is a place where football has not only a sound, but also a soul. Built in 1884, Enfield accommodates more than 54 thousand spectators, and after the new reconstruction the number of seats has increased even more. It is located in the Enfield area, near the center of Liverpool.

It's not just an arena – it's a sanctuary. Before the match, the entire stand sings \"You'll Never Walk Alone\", and even non-fans get goosebumps.

\n
\"Among the famous sectors is the Kop End, the heart of fan support. Here, every match is an event, regardless of the opponent.\"
\n

They don't just play football here - they feel it here.

Liverpool achievements

Liverpool has one of the richest trophy collections in world football:

19 times the team became the champion of England, the last time – in 2020.
In the Champions League, the club triumphed six times: 1977, 1978, 1981, 1984, 2005 and 2019.
Also in the assets of Liverpool – three UEFA Cups and four UEFA Super Cups.
In the domestic arena, the club won the FA Cup eight times and the League Cup as many times.
In 2019, Liverpool won the Club World Cup for the first time, defeating the Brazilian \"Flamengo\".

\n
\"Liverpool's achievements are not just numbers, they are stories that the entire football world remembers.\"
\n

\n","current_status_and_future_html":"

Liverpool famous players

Liverpool gave the world dozens of legends:

Kenny Dalglish is a symbol of the club in the 70s and 80s, who was both a player and a coach.
\n
Steven Gerrard – the heart and soul of Liverpool in the 2000s, the captain who never betrayed the team.
\n
Ian Rush is the best goalscorer in the history of the club, and John Barnes is a symbol of the fight against racism and talent on the field.
\n

In recent times, Salah, Mane and Firmino have become the personification of the club's new era. Their speed, technique and teamwork made Liverpool dangerous for any opponent.

\n
\"And Virgil van Dijk and Alisson are the ones who stabilized the defense after years of instability.\"
\n

Liverpool interesting facts

Liverpool is the only English club to win the Champions League after coming back from a score of 0:3 in the final. It happened in 2005 in Istanbul - a match that forever entered the history of football.
\n
Another interesting fact – coach Bill Shankly, who rebuilt the club in the 60s, inspired the fans so much that a monument near the stadium was erected to him.
\n
Another feature of Liverpool is the unique anthem \"You'll Never Walk Alone\". It is sung before every match, and this tradition has even spread to other clubs in Europe.
\n
Also, Liverpool have never lost at home in European Cups with a crushing score – even at their worst times.
\n

\n
\"This is a club that experienced tragedies, emotions, victories and defeats, but always remained itself. And this is the whole essence of Liverpool - it is real.\"
\n

It is worth noting that Liverpool continues to be one of the most influential clubs in the world, combining rich traditions with a modern approach to the game. Can the team repeat the success of the Klopp era? One thing is certain - the spirit of Anfield and the loyalty of the fans make Liverpool a special place where dreams come true and \"You'll Never Walk Alone\" remains not just a song, but a philosophy of life.

\n","logo":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/121/462_42678a768c.png","mime":"image/png","caption":null,"formats":{"large_avif":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/121/large_avif_462_42678a768c.avif","mime":"image/avif"},"large_webp":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/121/large_webp_462_42678a768c.webp","mime":"image/webp"},"small_avif":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/121/small_avif_462_42678a768c.avif","mime":"image/avif"},"small_webp":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/121/small_webp_462_42678a768c.webp","mime":"image/webp"},"medium_avif":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/121/medium_avif_462_42678a768c.avif","mime":"image/avif"},"medium_webp":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/121/medium_webp_462_42678a768c.webp","mime":"image/webp"}}},"current_season":{"stb_id":"2025-2026-3"}}},"shirtNumber":18,"rating":7.4}

Transfer	Goal	Assists
Liverpool January 2023 - Now	22	9
Netherlands May 2021 - Now	6	2

Cody Gakpo: Career