Where it all started for Cody Gakpo
It is no surprise that Gakpo made it a bit further in football than most of the others who were active in his hometown Eindhoven. “At youth matches of FC Eindhoven, Cody was quickly scouted by our people”, says head of youth scouting Riny de Groot of PSV. Gakpo played more then 10 years in the youth teams of PSV, and played together with other PSV stars like Teze and Obispo.
“Let me say that a visually impaired person or the biggest non-football expert would have been able to see his qualities. If Cody ever wasn’t paying attention, which is not at all strange at those ages, we could talk to him and that never caused any problems. He was an example boy, thanks also to his parents and brother who never caused any trouble.”
Father Johnny played for the amateur department of PSV and is originally from Togo, where he played at a high level. Mother Ank is Dutch. The couple moved into a house in Stratum- Eindhoven and have three footballing sons. Gakpo’s oldest brother (Sidney) also ended up in professional football, but opted for his social career. The youngest brother in the family currently plays for RPC.
From the age of seventeen, things went quickly for the now most famous Gakpo. He pushed through and made his debut in professional football at Jong PSV as a 17-year-old wing attacker. Under Phillip Cocu, the talent made his debut in the first team more than a year later and Mark van Bommel let him take the next step.
The big star at PSV in 2021
Mo Ihattaren was touted as the new big thing in Dutch football in 2021. That PSV had more talents in the wings, like Cody Gakpo and Madueke, seemed less important. But after two years of hype, Mo left PSV through the backdoor, while Cody Gakpo and right winger Madueke were the two figureheads of this exciting PSV.
Gakpo is keen to become a firm fixture for Oranje as well: “He wanted to be a starter for the National Team!” And so he became….
A talk with the lanky right-footed left winger.
About his inspirations:
“Diego Maradona was my idol. I watched all his movies on Youtube all the time. And Thierry Henry. He was a left winger like me, tall. Usually, wingers are smaller. Overmars, Robben, Messi so I really resonated with the taller players. I watched and analysed him, his movements, his timing, I tried to learn as much as possible. I have always been a PSV fan. I had a PSV doona on my bed, PSV pj’s and posters on my walls. I also had a team photo of Barcelona. I was a fan of Ibbi Afellay and recently I got to play with him, which was amazing. We still speak.”
About scoring goals:
“I am a forward so I love scoring goals. It started in the E pupils. We would win the trophy with a couple of 100 goals. I made 100 goals myself. We won matches 20-0 and if you’d score 5 or 8 it would really add up, hahahaha.”
“I started at PSV when I was six and ex pro Twan Scheepers was my coach for a spell. He’s now a good friend, he helped me a lot with my football, with also with the mental side of things. Some people think that talent is everything but that is not true. When I got into my puberty, all sorts of issues started. At home, at school and a lot of talented players drop out. I used to think I wasn’t good enough, in those days. I wasn’t the typical star of the team or something. And Twan would help me with my confidence and self belief.”
“Mark van Bommel became my coach when was 15 years old, at the A1 level. Fairly quickly I made the step up to the first team and worked with him there as well. He’s very good tactically. I still have a strong bond with him.
Ruud van Nistelrooy was my striking coach from when I was 14 year old. He taught me a lot. With Boudewijn Zenden I am working on my weaker left foot. It’s a challenge in all honesty but it ‘s going better.
About his genes:
“My dad is from Togo. My parents met there as my mum was traveling through Africa. My dad first moved to France but after that he came to Holland. My dad was a good player. He played for the Togo national team and played in the PSV 2 team. My mum was Dutch rugby international, so we always have sports in our home, in some way. I have never seen them play, although I did see some newspaper articles on my mum, as women’s rugby was never televised, I don’t think. My dad doesn’t think we are alike, as players. He thinks he was 10 times better than me, hahaha. But I think I am a bit like him. I do remember that an old coach of my dad came watching me when I was in the A1. He did say afterwards that he felt my dad was better at that age. That motivated me to work harder. I really owe it all to my parents. They were always supportive and brought me to the club and came and watch me play. My mum always simply asked if I enjoyed the game. My dad always wanted to do a whole de-briefing. My dad always told me to believe in myself.”
About his body
“I had shoe size 46 when I was 16 years old and only 1 meter 60 tall. The ratios didn’t work and I was super clumsy. But it all went well. I had a calf injury when I was 17 and broke my ankle. I had a tear last season in my ankle too, which kept me out for 3 months. But I am cautious and aware of my body. I eat well, I take my rest and drink a lot of water. At the Euros, I saw how professional some of the older lads were and that was very inspiring. I also do a lot of weight and resistance training, I do need to be a bit stronger, but overall I’m happy with my body.”
About religion
“I’m raised a Christian and I am really into it. I try to simply be the best person I can be. I do dedicated time to my faith, I read a lot of books, I visit church whenever I can and I pray. I read the Bible daily, yes, I am devout man. I recently got a book from Denzel Dumfries “Praying is believing” which I am reading now. Other lads at PSV share my faith, like Madueke and Donny Malen. With Oranje, Memphis is a good sounding board, how we understand pieces from the Bible and sayings and that sorta thing. We share those insights. It creates a bond and is inspiring. I also love to talk to people from other faiths, like Mo Ihattaren, who is muslim. We do see a lot of similarities.”
About the Dutch National Team
“Once I was in the flow of the Euros, it felt normal. I never really felt that is was special or remarkable you know. I was never part of the squad before but the other lads really include you into things and it all goes so fast too. When I went on a holiday, later, it all sank in. We have a really tight group and I immediately felt at home. The spirit is great. That last match versus the Czechs… It was a tough day. It was hot, and humid but I don’t think we got into trouble, really, until the red card. I tried to stay close to Memphis and Malen. Both players coming from the left, both a PSV history… What I try to improve is to pick the right moment to make a particular move. I met Louis van Gaal last year for the first time, when we drew Ajax 1-1. I saw him at the parking lot and he said: Nice pass! I had given the assist for the PSV goal. “Keep on going like this,” he said.” Now I tasted it, I want to be part of the Dutch national team as a starter and kick some goals.”
About his dreams
“I want to win trophies. This season, the title with PSV. The double, really. And maybe a European prize? I want to score goals and create goals. I hope to be able to make a move soon. I would love to play in England or Spain once day. I have been playing for PSV for many years and I’d love to lave through the front door with a trophy or two. And then go to the World Cup in Qatar and do wonderful things with Oranje.”
Gakpo at Liverpool
In December 2022 Gakpo made the move to Liverpool, as we know a huge but difficult step forward in his young career. PSV had to let him go as they needed a big transfer and Liverpool payed with a big discount.
Gakpo, who shone for Louis van Gaal’s team at the 2022 World Cup, signed a five-and-a-half year contract with for (€40m). The total fee for the 23-year-old would rise up to €50m via bonuses.
Part of the big Liverpool
In 2025 Cody Gakpo became a very important part of Liverpool under there new Dutch coach Arne Slot, resulting in leading the English Premier League and also a very good campaign in the Champions League.
Gakpo on Transfermarkt
Allthough Gakpo has severe competition from Luis Diaz, Liverpool plays so many matches that he is becoming more and more important for Liverpool. Gakpo was never champion at PSV 1, but is in the driving seat too win the Premier League. Some say Liverpool has the best team in 2025, for sure Codys star will keep rising and we all hope for a bright future, at Liverpool and offcourse in the Dutch National Team.
Thanks Jan.. For the article.cheers..good to see you back with a bang.