18 Cody Gakpo

• Full Name: Cody Mathès Gakpo
• Date of Birth: May 7, 1999
• Place of Birth: Eindhoven, Netherlands
• Position: Left Winger / Forward
• Current Club: Liverpool (Premier League)
• National Team: Netherlands

Early Life & PSV Academy

Born in Eindhoven, Gakpo grew up in Stratum and joined PSV’s academy in 2007. He progressed through the youth ranks, making his professional debut for Jong PSV in 2016.

Club Career

PSV Eindhoven: Rising Star

Breakthrough Years (2016–2019)

⚽ November 2016: Professional debut for Jong PSV vs. Helmond Sport.
🎯 January 2017: Scored two goals & an assist in a win over De Graafschap.
🚀 February 2018: Made his first-team debut for PSV vs. Feyenoord.

Becoming a Key Player (2019–2022)

🔥 2019–20 Season: 7 goals, 7 assists in Eredivisie.
⚽ September 2020: First brace for PSV in a league win vs. Groningen.
🏆 2022 KNVB Cup Final: Scored the winning goal vs. Ajax.
⚡ August 2022: Scored first hat-trick in a 7–1 win over Volendam.

🏆 2021–22 Dutch Footballer of the Year: 21 goals in all competitions.

Liverpool: Premier League Challenge

📝 January 2023: Signed for Liverpool in a £35.4–44.3 million deal, PSV’s record sale.
🔴 January 7, 2023: Debut vs. Wolves (FA Cup, 2–2 draw).
⚽ February 13, 2023: Scored first Liverpool goal vs. Everton (Merseyside Derby).

🔥 January 5, 2025: Equalizer in 2–2 draw vs. Manchester United.

International Career

🇳🇱 Youth Levels: Represented the Netherlands U18–U21.
🇳🇱 Euro 2020 Debut: June 21, 2021, vs. North Macedonia.
⚽ First Netherlands Goal: September 4, 2021, vs. Montenegro (4–0 win).

2022 FIFA World Cup: Group Stage Hero

⚽ Scored in three consecutive group-stage games:

• Senegal 🥅
• Ecuador 🥅
• Qatar 🥅

UEFA Euro 2024: Tournament Star

🏆 Player of the Match (Twice):

• 2–1 win vs. Poland (scored first goal).
• 3–0 win vs. Romania (goal + assist).
  🥇 Golden Boot Winner (shared in a 6-way tie with 3 goals).

Playing Style & Strengths

✅ Versatile Attacker: Plays as a winger, forward, or attacking midfielder.
✅ Dribbling & Speed: Cuts inside from the left wing, creating goal-scoring chances.
✅ Big-Game Player: Proven match-winner for both club and country.
🤔 Liverpool Role: Played out of position as a central forward & midfielder—can he return to his natural left-wing role?

Personal Life

🙏 Faith: A devoted Pentecostal Christian, Gakpo reads the Bible daily and leads team Bible studies.