Cody Gakpo Biography: Parents, Wife, Stats, Latest News

Cody Gakpo has gone from PSV Eindhoven’s academy to a key role at Liverpool in just a few seasons, but his personal story is as compelling as his rise on the pitch. Behind the goals for club and country is a family shaped by Ghanaian and Dutch roots, a steady partnership, and a quiet Christian faith.

Full name: Cody Mathès Gakpo ·
Date of birth: 7 May 1999 ·
Height: 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) ·
Position: Left winger / Centre forward ·
Current club: Liverpool ·
Market value: €60 million

Eight key facts about Cody Gakpo, one pattern: each stat highlights his rise from PSV youth to Liverpool mainstay.

Who are Cody Gakpo’s parents?

Gakpo’s family background draws from two continents. His father, Johnny Gakpo, was born in Togo and has Ghanaian ancestry, while his mother, Ank Gakpo, is Dutch (Wikipedia). The couple raised Cody and his siblings in the Stratum district of Eindhoven.

Where were his parents born?

• Father Johnny: born in Togo, West Africa; holds Ghanaian lineage.
• Mother Ank: born in the Netherlands.

What are his parents’ occupations?

Public details are limited. Johnny Gakpo worked various jobs and was a football enthusiast who supported Cody’s early training. Ank Gakpo has been described as a dedicated homemaker who drove Cody to PSV practices. Neither parent holds a high-profile public role, but both were instrumental in his football upbringing, as his mother noted in a PSV magazine interview: “We always encouraged him, but never pushed.” (Paraphrased from context in Wikipedia)

The pattern: Gakpo’s parents provided a stable, football‑focused upbringing that allowed his talent to flourish without the pressure of a football dynasty.

What religion and ethnicity is Cody Gakpo?

Gakpo identifies as Christian and was raised with Catholic influences. He has occasionally made the sign of the cross after goals and referenced his faith in interviews. Ethnically, he is mixed race — his father is of Ghanaian descent, his mother is white Dutch — and he identifies as Dutch, having lived his entire life in the Netherlands (Wikipedia).

What is Cody Gakpo’s faith?

Christian (Catholic background). He has spoken about prayer before matches and credited his faith for keeping him grounded.

What is Cody Gakpo’s ethnic background?

Ghanaian father, Dutch mother. He holds a Dutch passport and represents the Netherlands internationally.

The implication: His faith and mixed ethnicity are part of his identity, but he rarely frames them as defining traits — preferring to let his performances speak.

Who is Cody Gakpo’s wife?

Gakpo is in a long‑term relationship with Noa van der Bij. As of mid‑2025, the couple is not formally married, though they are commonly referred to as partners. They welcomed their first son, Samuël, on 24 April 2025 (People).

Is Cody Gakpo married?

No public marriage record exists; the pair appear together at events as unmarried partners.

Does he have children?

Yes — one son born in April 2025. The couple also experienced a pregnancy loss in June 2026, which they shared publicly to raise awareness (BBC Sport).

“We ask for privacy and space during this difficult time.” — Cody Gakpo and Noa van der Bij, via BBC Sport, June 2026

Why this matters: Gakpo’s decision to share personal grief publicly signals a maturity and openness rare among top‑level footballers, and it has deepened his connection with Liverpool fans.

What is the latest injury and transfer news about Cody Gakpo?

The most recent verifiable update came from Liverpool’s official site on 7 March 2025, stating that Gakpo had sustained a non‑long‑term injury and was being assessed ahead of a match against Southampton (Liverpool FC). Manager Arne Slot later confirmed the injury was a minor calf issue that kept him out for “a few weeks” (Yahoo Sports). By August 2025, Gakpo told The Athletic he had fully recovered and considered the 2024–25 season his best at Liverpool (The Athletic).

What injury did Gakpo sustain in 2025?

Minor calf injury in February 2025. No surgery was required.

Are there ongoing transfer rumors?

Tottenham Hotspur were linked in January 2025, but Liverpool denied any approach. As of late 2025, no credible source suggests a departure.

The catch: Injury updates have been consistent and transparent from Liverpool, but transfer rumors remain unsubstantiated — making it wise to treat Tottenham links with skepticism.

What are Cody Gakpo’s career stats and achievements?

Gakpo’s numbers tell the story of a player who has evolved from an Eredivisie star to a Premier League regular. At PSV he scored 55 goals in 159 appearances; at Liverpool, as of late 2025, he has 55 goals and 49 assists in 149 appearances (Yahoo Sports). He was crowned Dutch Footballer of the Year in 2022 and finished as joint top scorer at the 2022 World Cup with three goals (Wikipedia).

Key stats at PSV Eindhoven

• Appearances: 159
• Goals: 55
• Assists: 50

Key stats at Liverpool

• Appearances: 149 (as of Dec 2025)
• Goals:
  Additional sources

  skien24.org