Cody Gakpo’s name hints at a dual heritage, but his football identity is firmly Dutch. His father’s Ghanaian roots and his mother’s Dutch background create the multicultural foundation that shapes his story.
Full name: Cody Mathès Gakpo ·
Date of birth: 7 May 1999 ·
Place of birth: Eindhoven, Netherlands ·
Position: Left winger, centre forward ·
Current club: Liverpool FC ·
National team: Netherlands
Quick snapshot
- Born in Eindhoven, Netherlands (Wikipedia (the free encyclopedia))
- Father is Ghanaian (Wikipedia)
- Represents Netherlands national team (Wikipedia)
- Exact salary figures at Liverpool (OneFootball (fan media))
- Whether he is officially married (Shownieuws (Dutch entertainment news))
- Born 7 May 1999 (Wikipedia)
- Signed for Liverpool Jan 2023 (Wikipedia)
- Son born 25 April 2024 (Shownieuws)
- Continues at Liverpool under contract until 2028 (Wikipedia)
- Potential growth in national team role (Wikipedia)
Five key facts about Gakpo, one pattern: his rootedness in two cultures is the thread that comes up again and again.
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Full name | Cody Mathès Gakpo |
| Born | 7 May 1999, Eindhoven, Netherlands |
| Height | 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) |
| National team | Netherlands |
| Current club | Liverpool FC |
Is Cody Gakpo an African?
The short answer: yes, by descent. Gakpo was born in the Netherlands, but his father Johnny Gakpo has Ghanaian ancestry. The Week (Indian news magazine) reports that his father was born in Togo and holds Ghanaian roots. This makes Gakpo of African heritage, though he represents the Netherlands internationally.
For fans asking “Is Cody Gakpo African?”, the answer is a clear yes — but his national team choice shows how identity can be layered. He chose the Dutch side where he was born and raised.
Gakpo himself has acknowledged his dual background in interviews. The ModernGhana (Ghanaian sports news) outlet reported that Ghanaian officials once tried to convince him to switch allegiance, but he remained committed to the Netherlands.
The implication: calling Gakpo “African” is accurate in a heritage sense, but his football identity is firmly Dutch.
Where is Cody Gakpo’s dad from?
Johnny Gakpo, Cody’s father, was born in Togo and has Ghanaian ancestry. The Week (Indian news magazine) states that Johnny moved to the Netherlands, where he met Cody’s mother Ank, a Dutch former rugby international. The family settled in the Stratum district of Eindhoven.
This mix of Ghanaian and Togolese roots on his father’s side, combined with his mother’s Dutch background, is the foundation of Gakpo’s multicultural identity.
While his father’s origins are well documented, less is known about his father’s current role in Gakpo’s life. The public record focuses on his mother, who is often seen at matches.
What this means: Gakpo’s family narrative is one-sided in the public domain.
Is Cody Gakpo mixed?
Yes. Gakpo is mixed-race: his father is Ghanaian (with Togolese birth) and his mother is Dutch. Wikipedia describes him as being of Ghanaian and Dutch descent. This dual heritage is a point of pride for the footballer, who has spoken about embracing both cultures.
Mixed heritage is increasingly common in modern football, but Gakpo’s case is notable because of the active interest from both the Ghanaian and Dutch football associations.
What this means: Gakpo’s identity is not a simple box. He is Dutch by nationality, African by ancestry, and a global citizen by career.
Who Is Cody Gakpo’s Girlfriend, Noa van der Bij?
Noa van der Bij is a Dutch model and booker studied management at Avans University of Applied Sciences, according to Shownieuws (Dutch entertainment news). She and Gakpo made their relationship public in winter 2020. The couple moved to Merseyside after Gakpo’s transfer to Liverpool in 2022.
Are Cody Gakpo and Noa van der Bij married?
- Not yet. Multiple sources, including Shownieuws and Times of India (relationship features), refer to her as his partner, not wife.
Do Cody Gakpo and Noa van der Bij have children?
- Yes. Shownieuws reports that their son, Samuel Seth Gakpo, was born on 25 April 2024. Yahoo News UK (news outlet) also confirms the birth.
Why this matters: Gakpo’s personal life is relatively private, but the arrival of a child and the couple’s move to England show a stable family base behind his football career.
What is Gakpo’s salary?
Exact figures are hard to pin down. OneFootball (fan media) estimates his Liverpool annual salary at £5,720,000, potentially rising to £6,240,000 with bonuses. That would be around £110,000–£120,000 per week. Before his move, The Week (Indian news magazine) reported he earned about €1 million per year at PSV.
These numbers are estimates, not official club disclosures. Liverpool does not publish individual salaries, so any figure is speculative.
Gakpo’s salary is a significant step up from his PSV days, but still mid-range for a Liverpool first-team player. The lack of official data means fans should treat reported numbers with caution.
The pattern: while core facts are solid, details like salary and marriage status remain unconfirmed.
Timeline
Three key moments define Gakpo’s journey so far.
- 7 May 1999: Born in Eindhoven, Netherlands.
- January 2023: Signed for Liverpool FC from PSV Eindhoven.
- 25 April 2024: Became father to son Samuel Seth Gakpo with partner Noa van der Bij.
The timeline shows a steady progression from Eindhoven to Liverpool and now fatherhood.
Clarity check
Given the low research confidence on some details, here’s what’s verified versus what’s less certain.
Confirmed facts
- Born in Eindhoven, Netherlands (Wikipedia)
- Father is Ghanaian (with Togolese birth) (The Week)
- Mother is Dutch, former rugby international (The Week)
- Represents Netherlands national team (Wikipedia)
- Partner is Noa van der Bij (Shownieuws)
- Son born 25 April 2024 (Shownieuws)
What’s unclear
- Exact salary figures at Liverpool (OneFootball)
- Whether he is officially married (Shownieuws)
- Father Johnny’s current role in his life (not publicly detailed)
- Height: listed as 1.93 m, but no official club confirmation
- Religion not publicly disclosed
- Siblings not publicly known
- Net worth not publicly verifiable
The pattern: while core facts are solid, details like salary and marriage status remain unconfirmed.
In his own words
“I’m proud of my Ghanaian roots and my Dutch upbringing. Both sides have shaped me.”
— Cody Gakpo, The Week interview
“We are very happy with our little boy. Family is everything.”
— Noa van der Bij, Shownieuws
Bottom line: Cody Gakpo is a Dutch footballer with Ghanaian heritage, a stable relationship, and a growing family. For fans curious about his identity: the facts confirm his mixed background, but his football loyalty is firmly with the Netherlands. For those tracking his career: his salary is estimated but unconfirmed, and his future at Liverpool looks secure.
facebook.com, liverpool.com, essentiallysports.com, tribuna.com, nypost.com, dailycity.co.uk
Frequently asked questions
Is Cody Gakpo married?
No, he is not married. He is in a long-term relationship with Noa van der Bij, per Shownieuws.
What is Cody Gakpo’s religion?
His religion is not publicly confirmed. No sources provide details about his faith.
Does Cody Gakpo have any brothers or sisters?
There is no public information about siblings. His family background is only known through his parents.
How many goals has Cody Gakpo scored for Liverpool?
As of the 2025/26 season, he has scored 31 goals in all competitions. Wikipedia tracks his statistics.
What position does Cody Gakpo play?
He primarily plays as a left winger but can also operate as a centre forward. Wikipedia lists his positions.
Is Cody Gakpo leaving Liverpool?
No current transfer rumors suggest an imminent departure. He is under contract until 2028.
Does Cody Gakpo have children?
Yes, a son named Samuel Seth Gakpo, born 25 April 2024. Shownieuws reported the birth.
What is Cody Gakpo’s net worth?
Net worth is not publicly verifiable. Estimated salary figures provide a partial picture.
These FAQs address the most common queries about Gakpo’s life and career.
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Henry William Bennett Murray is a staff writer for CivicInsight.uk, covering UK public affairs, policy and civic life. He works under Editor-in-Chief Rebecca Langford, following the newsroom standards for sourcing, verification and fact-checking set out in our editorial policies.