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Cody Gakpo – Partner, Parents, Religion and Latest News

Oliver George Thompson Murray • 2026-08-23 • Reviewed by Oliver Bennett

Who Is Cody Gakpo’s Partner and Does He Have Children?

Full NameCody Mathès Gakpo
Date of Birth7 May 1999 (Age 27)
NationalityNetherlands
PositionLeft Winger / Centre Forward
Current ClubLiverpool FC
Relationship StatusIn a long-term relationship (not married)
Children1 son
ReligionPentecostal Christian

Cody Gakpo has been in a relationship with Noa van der Bij since December 2020, according to multiple reports. Credible sources consistently refer to her as his partner or girlfriend, not his wife. Some online claims suggest they are married, but no official confirmation has been provided.

  • Gakpo and van der Bij welcomed their son, Samuël Seth Gakpo, in April 2024.
  • In June 2026, the couple publicly announced the loss of an unborn child, sharing the news on Instagram.
  • Their relationship is described as long-term and private, with occasional social-media posts.
  • Van der Bij has been seen at Liverpool matches and has a public presence of her own.
  • Gakpo often credits his family as a grounding influence in his career.
Category Fact
Date of Birth 7 May 1999
Height 1.93 m (6 ft 4 in)
Preferred Foot Right
National Team Netherlands (senior debut 2021)
Transfer to Liverpool January 2023
Shirt Number #18 (Liverpool)
Relationship Status Partner (Noa van der Bij)
Children 1 son (April 2024)
Religion Pentecostal Christian

For a deeper look into his family dynamics, visit our Liverpool FC Full Squad 2024/25.

Who Are Cody Gakpo’s Parents and What Is His Ethnicity?

Cody Gakpo was born in Eindhoven, Netherlands, to Johnny Gakpo (father) and Ank Gakpo (mother). His father was born in Togo and has Ghanaian ancestry, while his mother is Dutch. This gives Gakpo a mixed heritage of Togolese/Ghanaian and Dutch roots.

Father’s Influence and Background

Johnny Gakpo played a significant role in Cody’s early football development. He passed away, which has been described as a motivating factor in the player’s career. The family lived in Eindhoven, where football was a central part of household life.

Mother’s Role

Ank Gakpo supported Cody’s ambitions and helped maintain a close family environment. She is Dutch, and Cody grew up with both cultural influences.

Heritage Snapshot

Gakpo’s father was from Togo with Ghanaian lineage; his mother is Dutch. He identifies as a Dutch footballer of African-European descent.

What Is Cody Gakpo’s Religion?

Gakpo is a Pentecostal Christian. He has spoken openly about his faith, saying: “I try to read the Bible every day, I pray every day, I like to go to church, and I read many books about the faith.” A 2026 profile from The Athletic described him as deeply religious and noted his involvement in team Bible study sessions with teammate Memphis Depay.

On his Instagram bio, he displays a cross emoji, further signaling his Christian identity. Faith is a central part of his public persona.

What Is the Latest Cody Gakpo News and Career Update?

Family News

The most recent development in Gakpo’s personal life came in June 2026, when he and Noa van der Bij announced on Instagram that they had suffered a miscarriage. The couple shared the news with a post that received widespread support from fans and fellow players.

Career at Liverpool

Since joining Liverpool in January 2023, Gakpo has established himself as a versatile forward. He primarily plays as a left winger but can also operate as a centre forward or attacking midfielder. As of the latest season, he has scored 32 goals and provided 16 assists in 127 appearances across all competitions.

On-Field Versatility

Gakpo’s adaptability under Jürgen Klopp has made him a key asset. He has contributed in the Premier League, Champions League, and domestic cups.

International Role

Gakpo remains a regular for the Netherlands national team. He debuted in 2021 and played a prominent role in the 2022 FIFA World Cup and subsequent Euro qualifiers.

Key Milestones in Cody Gakpo’s Life and Career

  1. – Born in Eindhoven, Netherlands, to Johnny and Ank Gakpo.
  2. – Joins PSV Eindhoven youth academy; progresses through the ranks.
  3. – Senior debut for PSV Eindhoven.
  4. – Breakthrough seasons; wins Dutch Footballer of the Year (2022).
  5. – Plays for Netherlands in FIFA World Cup Qatar.
  6. – Transfers to Liverpool FC.
  7. – Son Samuël Seth Gakpo is born.
  8. – Couple announces loss of unborn child.

What Is Known and What Remains Uncertain About Gakpo’s Personal Life?

Established Facts Information That Remains Unclear
Gakpo is in a relationship with Noa van der Bij. Whether the couple is officially married has not been confirmed by reliable sources.
He has a son named Samuël Seth Gakpo (born April 2024). The exact date of the child’s birth is not widely published.
His father Johnny was from Togo with Ghanaian ancestry. Full details of his father’s life and career are not publicly available.
Gakpo is a Pentecostal Christian who reads the Bible and prays daily. Specific details about his church affiliation are not known.
He plays for Liverpool and the Netherlands. Future transfer negotiations or contract terms are speculative.

How Has Gakpo’s Background Influenced His Career?

Gakpo’s dual heritage has shaped his identity both on and off the pitch. His father’s Ghanaian roots and his mother’s Dutch upbringing gave him a multicultural perspective rare in European football. The loss of his father early in life has been cited as a source of motivation.

His Christian faith plays a major role in his mentality. Team Bible studies with Memphis Depay reflect how Gakpo integrates his beliefs into his professional environment. He is often described as calm, humble, and family-oriented.

Where Can You Find Verified Information About Cody Gakpo?

“I try to read the Bible every day, I pray every day, I like to go to church, and I read many books about the faith.” – Cody Gakpo

Wikipedia (citing interviews)

“Liverpool FC added the reigning Dutch Footballer of the Year to their squad with the signing of versatile forward Cody Gakpo in January 2023.”

Liverpool FC Official Profile

“Cody Mathès Gakpo (born 7 May 1999) is a Dutch professional footballer who plays as a left winger or centre forward for Premier League club Liverpool and the Netherlands national team.”

Wikipedia

Key sources include the Premier League Official Profile, Liverpool FC Squad Profile, Wikipedia biography, ESPN stats & news, and his official Instagram.

What Is the Complete Picture of Cody Gakpo?

Cody Gakpo is a 27-year-old Liverpool forward who rose through PSV Eindhoven to become one of the Netherlands’ most versatile attackers. Off the pitch, he maintains a private family life with partner Noa van der Bij and their son Samuël. His Pentecostal Christian faith, mixed Ghanaian-Dutch heritage, and the early loss of his father are defining elements of his personal story. For a full timeline of his career, see our Top Football Career Timelines.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cody Gakpo’s salary net worth?

Estimated weekly wage at Liverpool is around £120,000–£150,000 (pre-tax). Net worth is estimated at £10–20 million, considering salary, endorsements, and transfer fees.

What position does Cody Gakpo play?

Primarily a left winger, but also plays as a centre forward or attacking midfielder. He is known for his versatility under Jürgen Klopp.

How many goals has Cody Gakpo scored for Liverpool?

As of the latest season, he has scored 32 goals and provided 16 assists in 127 appearances across all competitions.

Where is Cody Gakpo from?

He was born in Eindhoven, Netherlands, and holds Dutch citizenship. He also has Ghanaian heritage through his father.

Does Cody Gakpo have a brother?

Available credible sources do not mention any siblings. He grew up as an only child in Eindhoven.

Is Cody Gakpo married?

Credible sources consistently refer to Noa van der Bij as his partner, not his wife. No official marriage announcement has been confirmed by the couple.

What is Cody Gakpo’s religion?

He is a Pentecostal Christian. He has stated that he reads the Bible daily, prays daily, and attends church regularly.

How tall is Cody Gakpo?

He is 1.93 m (6 ft 4 in) tall.

When did Cody Gakpo join Liverpool?

He transferred to Liverpool from PSV Eindhoven in January 2023.

What is Cody Gakpo’s shirt number at Liverpool?

He wears the number 18 shirt.



Oliver George Thompson Murray

About the author

Oliver George Thompson Murray

Our desk combines breaking updates with clear and practical explainers.