Cody Gakpo has emerged as one of the brightest stars in European football, combining natural talent, relentless work ethic, and an inspiring sense of humility. At just 25, the Eindhoven-born forward is already being hailed as the heir to Arjen Robben, thanks to his signature move: cutting inside from the left and unleashing his right foot with deadly precision. His three goals at Euro 2024, which made him joint top scorer of the tournament, cemented his status as a player for the big stage.
Yet Gakpo’s story is about far more than goals. It is the tale of a boy who grew up under a PSV duvet, cycling to the Philips Stadion to watch his heroes, and slowly turning into one himself. Raised in a hardworking family, with a Togolese father who once played for his national team and a Dutch mother who represented her country in rugby, he learned discipline and resilience early on. Life at home was not always easy, but those struggles instilled in him a drive to give back, both to his family and to his community.
Gakpo’s development was shaped by key mentors. From youth coach Twan Scheepers, who helped him build confidence, to Mark van Bommel and Ruud van Nistelrooij, who refined his tactical understanding and finishing instincts, each left a lasting mark. Phillip Cocu gave him his first-team debut at PSV in 2018, a moment that transformed promise into reality. By the time he left Eindhoven, Gakpo had become the club’s captain, tallying over 100 direct goal contributions in 159 matches.
His transfer to Liverpool in early 2023 for around €50 million was a leap into the global spotlight. At Anfield, he quickly won admiration for his versatility, playing across the front line with the intelligence and discipline that endeared him to Jürgen Klopp. Klopp praised him as a “football eater”—a player who absorbs every instruction and translates it seamlessly onto the pitch. That ability to adapt, combined with his humility, makes him indispensable for both club and country.
For the Netherlands, Gakpo has already achieved what few manage in a lifetime: scoring in three consecutive World Cup group stage matches, each with a different body part : left foot, right foot, and head. With 12 goals in 30 caps, he has surpassed the early records of legends like Johan Cruyff and Marco van Basten at major tournaments. And yet, he carries himself without arrogance, insisting that his focus remains on learning, improving, and leading by example.
Off the field, Gakpo’s character shines just as brightly. A devout Christian, he reads the Bible daily, leads faith discussions with teammates, and uses his platform to inspire. He speaks openly against racism, donates his time and resources to help others, and even registered as a stem cell donor. His humility is evident in every interview: he credits teammates, avoids self-promotion, and frames success as a collective achievement.
Cody Gakpo embodies the modern athlete : gifted, grounded, and guided by purpose. Whether dazzling defenders with his Thierry Henry-inspired runs, lifting teammates with quiet leadership, or motivating fans through faith and perseverance, he stands as more than just a footballer. He is a role model. And as he enters his prime years with Liverpool and the Dutch national team, one thing is certain: his greatest chapters are yet to be written.