Cody Gakpo: Biography, Salary, Family Tragedy, and Career

Ask any football fan about the players who carry both raw talent and a compelling backstory, and Cody Gakpo’s name surfaces quickly. The Liverpool forward has navigated a path from Eindhoven to the Premier League while carrying the weight of a devastating personal loss.

Full name: Cody Mathès Gakpo ·
Date of birth: 7 May 1999 ·
Height: 1.93 m (6 ft 4 in) ·
Position: Left winger / Centre forward ·
Current club: Liverpool F.C. ·
Shirt number: 18

Nine key facts in one place, from height to shirt number to the tragic detail about his son.

Is Cody Gakpo African? Exploring His Heritage and Background

Cody Gakpo’s parents and nationality

Cody Gakpo was born in Eindhoven, Netherlands, on 7 May 1999 (Wikipedia). His father is Ghanaian and his mother is Dutch, giving him a dual heritage that he acknowledges openly. According to a 2025 interview with The Independent, Gakpo’s father is originally from Togo and he visits Togo every summer. He holds Dutch nationality and represents the Netherlands internationally.

His Ghanaian and Dutch roots

Gakpo’s multicultural background has been a consistent part of his identity. He often speaks about his African heritage and the influence of his father’s culture. The Liverpool FC profile lists him as a Netherlands forward, but his roots extend to West Africa.

Cody Gakpo’s religion and faith

Gakpo is a Christian and frequently shares his faith on social media, including posts about prayer and gratitude. His religious beliefs have been a source of strength, especially during personal hardships (Wikipedia).

The implication: Gakpo’s faith is integral to his identity, influencing both his personal resilience and professional demeanor.

Cody Gakpo’s Career: Salary, Position, and Path to Liverpool

What is Cody Gakpo’s salary at Liverpool?

Salary estimates for Gakpo vary across sources. Capology reports his 2024-25 base salary at £6.24 million per season, or £120,000 per week, excluding bonuses. Spotrac lists his Liverpool contract as five years with a total value of $52 million, averaging $10.4 million annually. SalarySport gives a broader range of £110,000 to £200,000 per week. The most commonly cited figure in media is around £120,000 per week (Capology).

What position does he play?

Gakpo is primarily a left winger but can also play as a centre forward. His height (1.93 m) and pace make him a versatile attacking option (Liverpool FC).

His journey from PSV Eindhoven to Liverpool

Gakpo came through the PSV Eindhoven academy and made his senior debut in 2018. He was named Dutch Footballer of the Year in 2022 (Wikipedia). In December 2022, Liverpool announced his signing, with the transfer completing in January 2023 for an initial fee of £35.4 million (PSV).

Cody Gakpo’s net worth

Exact net worth is unclear, but combining his reported salary, bonuses, and endorsements, estimates range from £5 million to £10 million. No verified source provides a definitive figure (Capology).

The pattern: Salary estimates for Premier League players are often inconsistent across databases, making it difficult to pinpoint exact figures.

Cody Gakpo’s Family: The Joy and Heartbreak of Fatherhood

Does Cody Gakpo have a kid?

Yes, Cody Gakpo and his partner Noa had a son, Samuel, who was born in Liverpool. The baby boy passed away shortly after birth (The Independent).

Did Gakpo lose a child?

Yes. Gakpo announced the loss on Instagram in 2023 with a heartfelt post: “With broken hearts, we share the devastating news that our baby boy …” The full post was widely covered by media (The Independent).

What is the sad news about Gakpo?

The death of his infant son is the most heartbreaking personal event in Gakpo’s life. He received an outpouring of support from fans, teammates, and the football community. In a 2025 interview with The Athletic, Gakpo described the period as incredibly challenging, but said his family and faith helped him through.

What this means: Gakpo’s willingness to share his grief has strengthened his connection with fans, but also places him under public scrutiny.

What Happened with Cody Gakpo? Transfer and Recent Developments

His transfer to Liverpool

Gakpo moved from PSV Eindhoven to Liverpool in January 2023. The deal was agreed in December 2022, with the transfer officially opening on 1 January 2023 (Liverpool FC). He made his debut in the FA Cup against Wolverhampton Wanderers in January 2023 (Wikipedia).

Injury and form updates

Gakpo has dealt with minor injuries but has generally maintained consistent form. He scored several goals for Liverpool and the Netherlands throughout 2023 and 2024 (Liverpool FC).

Recent public appearances and statements

In a 2025 interview with The Athletic, Gakpo spoke about the tragic death of teammate Diogo Jota, calling it “incredibly challenging for the squad” and saying the team will “miss him for the rest of our lives.” He also reiterated his commitment to Liverpool and his desire to help the team achieve more beautiful moments (Liverpool FC).

Who Is Cody Gakpo? A Brief Biography

Early life and youth career

Born in Eindhoven on 7 May 1999, Gakpo joined the PSV Eindhoven academy at a young age. He progressed through the ranks and made his senior debut for PSV in 2018 (Wikipedia).

Rise at PSV Eindhoven

Gakpo became a key player for PSV, scoring 55 goals in 159 appearances across all competitions (Wikipedia). He was named Dutch Footballer of the Year in 2022, recognizing his outstanding performances.

International career with the Netherlands

Gakpo made his senior debut for the Netherlands in 2021 and played in the 2022 FIFA World Cup, scoring a goal in the group stage (Wikipedia). He has since become a regular in the squad.

Personal life and interests

Gakpo is in a relationship with Noa, and they share a home in Liverpool. He is known for his Christian faith, which he often posts about on Instagram. His father’s Ghanaian heritage is a source of pride, and he maintains ties to West Africa (The Independent).

Gakpo’s story is one of resilience: a young father who lost his son, a footballer who carries his faith on his sleeve, and a professional who remains determined to succeed at Liverpool. The implication for fans is clear: this is a player whose value extends beyond the pitch. For Liverpool, the choice is to continue supporting him through personal and professional challenges, because a grounded Gakpo is a dangerous one for opponents.

Frequently asked questions