PLAYER SNAPSHOT: At a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Cody Mathès Gakpo |
| Date of Birth | 07/05/1999 (Age: 27) |
| Place of Birth | Eindhoven, Netherlands |
| Nationality | Dutch |
| Height | 1.87 m / 6 ft 2 in |
| Weight | 76 kg |
| Position | Forward / Winger / Attacking Midfielder |
| Preferred Foot | Right |
| Squad Number | #18 (Liverpool & Netherlands) |
| Current Club | Liverpool |
| Previous Clubs | PSV Eindhoven |
| International Caps | 52 |
| International Goals | 23 |
| World Cup Appearances | 2022, 2026 |
| Contract Until | 2030 |
| Market Value | — |
The Frozen Moment
The 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America. The Netherlands, the Oranje, had arrived with hopes of ending their long wait for a world title. For Cody Gakpo, the 27-year-old forward from Eindhoven, the tournament was an opportunity to cement his status as one of Europe’s elite attacking talents.
Gakpo delivered. He started all four matches for the Netherlands, scoring three goals and providing one assist. He scored twice in the 5-1 demolition of Sweden and added a crucial goal in the dramatic Round of 32 defeat to Morocco. In the game against Morocco, he scored the opener, only for his team to be eliminated on penalties.
The tournament was marked by profound personal tragedy. Just one day before the Morocco match, Gakpo and his partner Noa van der Bij announced the loss of their unborn son, Elijah Raphael. Despite the devastating grief, Gakpo chose to stay with the national team, starting the match and scoring a goal that carried immense emotional weight. His World Cup campaign further enhanced his reputation as a reliable performer on the biggest stage, taking his tally to five goals in seven World Cup appearances.
Origins
Born on May 7, 1999, in Eindhoven, Netherlands, Cody Gakpo’s footballing journey began in the city that would later become his first professional home. He progressed through the youth ranks at PSV Eindhoven, one of the Netherlands’ most prestigious clubs, and made his senior debut for the club in 2018.
Gakpo’s rise at PSV was meteoric. He became a key figure in the Eredivisie, attracting the attention of clubs across Europe with his pace, dribbling ability, and goalscoring instinct. His breakthrough at the international level came when he was included in the Netherlands squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
He made his senior debut for the Netherlands national team on June 10, 2021, in a friendly against Scotland. Since then, he has become a mainstay of the Oranje attack, accumulating 52 caps and 23 goals, making him one of the country’s most important attacking players.
The European Forge
PSV Eindhoven (2016-2022):
Gakpo progressed through PSV’s youth ranks, making his senior debut in 2018. He became a prolific forward at the club, winning the Eredivisie title and the Johan Cruyff Shield in the 2021/22 season.
Liverpool (2022-Present):
In December 2022, following an impressive World Cup campaign, Gakpo signed for Liverpool for an initial fee of £35 million. He made an immediate impact, scoring in his debut and quickly adapting to the Premier League.
The 2024/25 season was Gakpo’s most productive at Liverpool. Under Arne Slot, he scored 18 goals and provided seven assists in 49 appearances across all competitions, helping the Reds win the Premier League title. His performances earned him a long-term contract extension signed in the summer of 2025, committing him to Anfield until 2030.
The 2025/26 season saw a dip in his numbers, reflecting a difficult campaign for Liverpool as a whole. He made 51 appearances across all competitions, scoring 9 goals and providing 6 assists. In the Premier League, he made 36 appearances (34 starts), scoring 7 goals and providing 5 assists. He also contributed in the Champions League with 2 goals and 2 assists in 11 appearances, but faced more competition for his preferred left-wing role following the arrival of Victor Munoz and increased competition from players like Florian Wirtz.
Netherlands National Team (2021-Present):
Gakpo has accumulated 52 caps for the Netherlands and scored 23 goals. He represented the Netherlands at the 2022 and 2026 World Cups. In World Cup qualifying for 2026, he was a key figure, scoring across several matches, including a brace against Malta and a goal against Lithuania. He has an impressive World Cup record, with five goals in seven appearances.
The Anatomy of His Game
Cody Gakpo is a versatile and technically-gifted forward who prefers to operate from the left wing but can also play centrally. Standing at 187 cm, he combines physical presence with pace and dribbling ability. He is known for his composure in front of goal and ability to cut inside from the left to shoot with his right foot.
In Possession:
Gakpo is a creative and direct attacker. In the 2025/26 season, he recorded 9 goals and 6 assists in 51 appearances for Liverpool. His crossing and link-up play are key assets, though his partnership with left-back Milos Kerkez has been an area requiring development. He is also a competent set-piece taker, scoring penalties for the Netherlands in qualifying.
Out of Possession:
Gakpo is a disciplined and hard-working player who contributes defensively. At the World Cup, he made key interceptions and tackles. His work rate off the ball makes him a valuable asset in high-intensity systems.
Psychological Edge:
Gakpo’s mental resilience is perhaps his greatest attribute. He has been described as the “pastor” of the Dutch national team, leading prayers for his teammates. His decision to play in a World Cup knockout match just one day after the loss of his unborn child, and his composure to score a goal, demonstrates extraordinary mental strength. Virgil van Dijk described him as “an outstanding footballer” who “works so hard for the team.”
The Numbers Game
TABLE A: The Data Snapshot (2025/26 Season)
| Competition | Apps (Starts) | Minutes | Goals | Assists | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Premier League | 36 (34) | 2,737 | 7 | 5 | 6.73-7.27 |
| UEFA Champions League | 11 (5-11) | 471 | 2 | 2 | 7.45 |
| FA Cup | 4 (3) | 286 | 0 | 0 | — |
| FIFA World Cup | 4 (4) | 368 | 3 | 1 | — |
| World Cup Qualifying | 6 | — | 5 | 3 | — |
| TOTAL | 61 | 3,862 | 17 | 11 | — |
TABLE B: Career Overview
| Season | Club | League/Competition | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016-2022 | PSV Eindhoven | Eredivisie / UCL | — | — |
| 2022/23 | Liverpool | Premier League / UCL / Cups | 22 | 7 |
| 2023/24 | Liverpool | Premier League / UCL / Cups | — | — |
| 2024/25 | Liverpool | Premier League / UCL / Cups | 49 | 18 |
| 2025/26 | Liverpool | Premier League / UCL / Cups | 51 | 9 |
| TOTAL | — | — | 122+ | 34+ |
TABLE C: International Record
| Tournament/Competition | Apps | Goals | Major Honours |
|---|---|---|---|
| FIFA World Cup 2022 | — | 3 | Quarter-Finals |
| FIFA World Cup 2026 | 4 | 3 | Round of 32 |
| World Cup Qualifying 2026 | 6 | 5 | — |
| Netherlands Senior Career | 52 | 23 | — |
TABLE D: Career Milestones
| Year | Achievement | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Senior Debut | PSV Eindhoven |
| 2021 | Netherlands Debut | vs Scotland |
| 2022 | Liverpool Transfer | £35M move |
| 2022 | World Cup Debut | 3 goals in Qatar |
| 2025 | Premier League Winner | Liverpool |
| 2025 | Contract Extension | Until 2030 |
| 2026 | World Cup Appearance | 3 goals in North America |
What these figures reveal is a player who has developed into a consistent attacking threat at the highest level. Gakpo has accumulated over 120 appearances for Liverpool, scoring 34 goals. His international record is exceptional, with 23 goals in 52 caps. He has contributed to a Premier League title and consistently delivered in major tournaments, with 5 goals in 7 World Cup appearances.
The Present Tense
Cody Gakpo is 27 years old and at a critical moment in his career. He is a key player for Liverpool and the Netherlands national team, but his future at Anfield is uncertain following a drop in form and increased competition for his preferred position.
The Liverpool Story:
Gakpo joined Liverpool in 2022 and became a key figure under Arne Slot, particularly during the 2024/25 title-winning campaign. In the 2025/26 season, he made 51 appearances and scored 9 goals, a dip from the previous season’s 18 goals. His future at Anfield has been cast into doubt following the signing of Victor Munoz and interest in other players who can operate on the left wing.
Liverpool still views him as a proven Premier League attacker who can function in different ways. Any potential transfer away from Anfield would likely cost upwards of £60 million, a significant profit on his initial £35 million fee.
The World Cup Campaign:
Gakpo was a key figure for the Netherlands at the 2026 World Cup, starting all four matches. He scored three goals, including a brace against Sweden and a crucial goal in the Round of 32 defeat to Morocco on penalties. His tournament ended in the Round of 32, but his performances were widely praised.
International Record:
Gakpo has 52 caps for the Netherlands and 23 international goals. He has been a mainstay of the Oranje attack and is considered one of the country’s most important players.
Beyond the Touchline
Off the pitch, Cody Gakpo is a deeply religious figure. He is known as the “pastor” of the Dutch national team, leading prayers for his teammates. His composure and leadership have been praised by teammates and coaches.
His World Cup campaign was marked by immense personal tragedy. Just one day before the Round of 32 match against Morocco, Gakpo and his partner announced the loss of their unborn son, Elijah Raphael. Despite the grief, Gakpo decided to stay with the squad and scored the opening goal in the match. His teammate Crysencio Summerville described him as a leader in the squad, and Virgil van Dijk was one of the first to comfort him after his goal.
The Verdict from the Camp
Virgil van Dijk, Liverpool and Netherlands captain:
“He is an outstanding footballer. He works so hard for the team, he’s disciplined and his quality stands out – his crosses, his assists, his goals.”
Crysencio Summerville, Netherlands teammate:
“Cody is our pastor – he leads the prayers.”
Statistic:
Gakpo has 52 caps for the Netherlands with 23 goals.
Statistic:
Gakpo has scored 50 goals in 180 appearances for Liverpool, becoming only the second Dutchman after Dirk Kuyt to reach a half-century for the club.
Statistic:
Gakpo has scored 5 goals in 7 World Cup appearances across the 2022 and 2026 tournaments.
Where Next?
Cody Gakpo is 27 years old and at a pivotal moment in his career. His future at Liverpool is uncertain following a dip in form and increased competition for his preferred left-wing position. He is under contract until 2030, and any potential transfer would likely command a significant fee.
For the Netherlands, he remains a key figure in the attack. His World Cup performances, including three goals in North America, have enhanced his reputation. His experience, resilience, and goalscoring instinct make him an invaluable asset for the Oranje.
From Eindhoven to Anfield, from the Eredivisie to the World Cup, Cody Gakpo’s journey is one of talent, resilience, and faith. The forward who has become a leader for his country and a Premier League champion continues to write his story at the highest level.
