Cody Gakpo: Biography, Salary, Net Worth, Career, And Transfer History

When you think of exciting young talents lighting up the football scene, one name that quickly comes to mind is Cody Gakpo. From his humble beginnings in the Netherlands to his rise as one of Liverpool’s most talked-about forwards, Gakpo’s journey is one of passion, determination, and sheer talent.

In this post, we’ll dive deep into his biography, career, salary, net worth, and transfer history, and of course, add a touch of that friendly storytelling vibe so you can feel like you’re chatting with a fellow football fan over a chilled drink.

Early Life and Background

Cody Mathès Gakpo was born on May 7, 1999, in Eindhoven, Netherlands. And if you’re wondering why Eindhoven sounds familiar, it’s the home city of PSV Eindhoven, the club where his football story truly began. You could say football was written in his stars from birth.

Cody grew up in a football-loving family. His father, Johnny Gakpo, originally from Togo, was a former footballer, while his mother, Ank, is Dutch and worked as a secondary school teacher. With such a mix of cultures and encouragement at home, young Cody was destined for greatness.

Like many kids in the Netherlands, he started playing football at a very young age. By the time he was 7, he had already joined PSV’s youth academy in 2007. And let’s be honest, if a kid makes it into PSV’s academy, you know they’ve got something special.

Rising Through the Ranks at PSV

Cody’s rise through the youth system at PSV was steady and impressive. Coaches quickly noticed his blistering pace, dribbling ability, and knack for scoring goals. Standing tall at 6’4” (yes, he’s huge for a winger), Gakpo wasn’t your typical wide player. He combined physical presence with agility—a rare mix that made him stand out.

By 2016, Gakpo was already knocking on the doors of PSV’s senior team. He made his professional debut in November 2016 for Jong PSV (the club’s reserve side) in the Eerste Divisie. His performances were sharp, and within a couple of seasons, he had firmly established himself as one of PSV’s brightest prospects.

In 2018, Gakpo made his Eredivisie debut for PSV’s senior team, and from that point, there was no turning back. Fans loved his direct style of play, his ability to beat defenders, and his eye for spectacular goals. By the 2019/20 season, Cody was not just a squad player—he was a key figure in the team.

Breakout Season: Becoming a Star at PSV

Every footballer has that “wow” season where they turn from promising youngster into household name. For Gakpo, it was the 2021/22 season.

He bagged 21 goals and 15 assists in all competitions, making him one of the most productive forwards in Europe. Those numbers caught the eye of top clubs across the continent. Scouts were raving, pundits were debating, and fans were convinced—this was a future star.

And just when PSV thought they had more time with him, the January transfer window of 2023 changed everything.

The Big Move: Transfer to Liverpool

Liverpool had been tracking Gakpo for a while. With injuries to key players like Luis Díaz and Diogo Jota, Jurgen Klopp needed reinforcement in attack. And guess what? Cody was the perfect fit.

On December 28, 2022, Liverpool officially announced the signing of Cody Gakpo from PSV. The reported fee? Around £35–45 million (depending on add-ons). Not bad for PSV, considering he came through their academy.

For Gakpo, it was a dream move. The Premier League is one of the toughest competitions in the world, and playing under Klopp at Anfield meant he had the stage to showcase his skills on a global level.

Life at Liverpool: Settling In

Making a mid-season move is never easy, but Gakpo hit the ground running. Within weeks, he had already started scoring crucial goals for Liverpool. His first came in the Merseyside Derby against Everton in February 2023, and from then on, he kept delivering.

Fans quickly noticed his versatility. Gakpo wasn’t just a winger; Klopp often used him as a false nine, where he linked up play beautifully with Mohamed Salah and Darwin Núñez. His composure in front of goal, ability to press, and intelligent movement made him a perfect Klopp player.

As of now, Gakpo continues to be a key part of Liverpool’s squad, adding depth, creativity, and goals.

International Career with the Netherlands

Of course, we can’t talk about Gakpo without mentioning his exploits with the Dutch national team. He made his debut for the Netherlands in June 2021 during the UEFA Euro 2020 (yes, the one that was played in 2021 due to COVID).

But it was during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar that he truly announced himself on the world stage. Gakpo scored three goals in the group stage, becoming one of the standout performers of the tournament. The world took notice, and Liverpool fans couldn’t believe their club had just signed one of the breakout stars of the World Cup.

Salary and Earnings

Now let’s talk numbers, because let’s be real—that’s what many fans are curious about.

At Liverpool, Cody Gakpo reportedly earns around £120,000 per week, which translates to about £6.2 million per year. For a young player who only recently moved from the Eredivisie, that’s a significant jump in earnings.

To put it into perspective, at PSV, he was earning a fraction of that amount. His Liverpool salary reflects both his growing status as a top player and the financial muscle of the Premier League.

Net Worth

So, how much is Cody Gakpo worth?

As of 2025, Gakpo’s net worth is estimated to be between £10–15 million. This comes from his football contracts, bonuses, endorsements, and sponsorships. With his career on an upward trajectory, you can expect that figure to multiply in the coming years.

Endorsement-wise, Gakpo has deals with brands like Nike, which supplies his boots. And let’s not forget—playing in the Premier League brings global visibility, meaning more sponsorship opportunities are surely on the way.

Transfer History Recap

To make things clear, here’s a quick look at Gakpo’s transfer history:

1. 2007 – Joined PSV youth academy.

2. 2016 – Promoted to Jong PSV.

3. 2018 – Broke into PSV’s senior team.

4. December 2022 – Signed by Liverpool for around £35–45 million.

That’s a simple journey but one that shows his steady rise from academy kid to Premier League star.

Playing Style: What Makes Him Special?

Cody Gakpo is not your average forward. He’s tall, strong, and skillful, which makes him a nightmare for defenders. His left foot is lethal, and his ability to cut inside from the left wing and curl shots into the far corner has become his trademark.

What’s more, he’s intelligent on the ball. He knows when to dribble, when to pass, and when to shoot. That decision-making ability, combined with his work ethic, makes him invaluable for both club and country.

Personal Life

Off the pitch, Cody Gakpo is known to be humble and grounded. He’s a devout Christian and often shares his faith openly. Despite the fame and money, he remains connected to his roots and family.

He’s currently in a relationship with Noa van der Bij, a Dutch model and influencer. The couple often shares glimpses of their life together on social media, much to the delight of fans.

What the Future Holds

At just 25 years old (as of 2025), Cody Gakpo has his best years ahead of him. Liverpool sees him as a long-term player, and under Klopp—or whoever takes over next—he’ll likely continue to grow.

Could he become a Premier League legend? If he keeps working hard and avoids injuries, there’s no reason why not. One thing’s for sure: Gakpo is a name we’ll be hearing for many years to come.

Conclusion

From Eindhoven to Anfield, Cody Gakpo’s story is one of talent, perseverance, and big dreams. He’s already achieved so much at a young age, but the exciting part is that his journey is just getting started.

Whether you admire him for his goals, his humility, or his World Cup heroics, one thing is certain—Cody Gakpo is here to stay.