Cody Gakpo | Bentley Ambassador

Family Origins

Parental guidance

A personal gift

The close family

"It started with my Dad. He’s always loved Bentley," reminisces Gakpo. "When I was younger, he’d point them out. He used to talk about craftsmanship, the way they mix performance with class.

"I was around 12 when I really started noticing them myself. It wasn’t just about the car; it was more the feeling behind it. My dad’s passion for the brand made me want one too. It became a bit of a dream for both of us."

Gakpo, his two brothers and parents remain exceptionally close. His father Johnny had played football for his own home country Togo. His mother, now a teacher, was in Holland's rugby team.

When his career took off, Gakpo was in a position to return his father's love and mentoring with a lavish gift. Something perhaps less obvious than, say, property or jewellery. But in this family's case more meaningful.

"With my brothers I gave my dad a Bentley Bentayga First Edition as a present about two years ago. It’s his dream car, something he’s wanted since he was young."

The effect was profound. "It was a really emotional moment when he realised the car was his; seeing him so happy made it really special for me too."

They see each other very frequently, father still coaching son after a match if Cody's play hasn't hit their high standard. It's another example of the family's extraordinarily powerful ethic.

"My dad’s always been passionate about doing things the right way, with discipline and respect. He’s the one who taught me that if you want to achieve something, you have to stay focused and never cut corners.

"My mum’s the heart of the family, always encouraging, always reminding me to stay grounded and thankful, no matter what’s happening on the pitch.

"My parents always supported me in football but also made sure I understood what really matters, staying humble, working hard, and keeping faith at the centre of it all."

His Bentayga Speed

New Bentley generation

The Bentayga for everything

Personal commission

It turns out Johnny hasn't been the only Gakpo to benefit from that gift of a Bentayga. Cody says, "It’s technically [my Dad's] car, but I get to drive it too."

Now he is commissioning his own Bentley. "I’ve always loved the Continental GT, it’s a beautiful car," he says.

Yet right now isn't the time for that particular indulgence. He and partner Noa van der Bij are blessed with a baby son, Samuel Seth. "With a baby, you start thinking more practically. You need the space, the comfort, somewhere to put all the stuff that suddenly comes with having a child."

He has found the perfect answer in the ultra-rapid Bentayga Speed. "It still gives you that Bentley feeling, the performance, the detail, the luxury. But it fits better with where I’m at in life. I can drive it to training, take the family out, and still enjoy it every time I get behind the wheel."

As with any owner, he delights in the commissioning process. The result is a reflection of who he is and how he relates to the car. "For the exterior I chose Rubino Red. I wanted something strong and sleek, but not too flashy."

The interior is an even greater expression of his individual tastes and his place in the world. "I went with Pillar Box Red and Beluga, mainly because of the red, it’s a nod to Liverpool, which means a lot to me.

"I just think the combination works really well with the Speed – sporty, bold, but still classy, and it feels personal at the same time."

Gakpo sees his choice of car as an expression of identity, going beyond fashion. "Hopefully, I’ll be driving a Bentley for the rest of my life as well."

Care and Dedication

Meticulous detail

Philosophies align

Beyond a symbol

In Gakpo's eyes, at Bentley's core is the same rigour as his own life values. "For me, a Bentley has always been more than just a car, it’s the quality and the way it’s made that really stands out.

"You can feel how much care has gone into every detail, from the materials to the way it drives. It’s smooth, comfortable, but still powerful."

Again that seed was planted by his father. "He spoke about Bentley with so much respect, not just because of the cars themselves, but what they stood for. He’d say they were built with real attention to detail, no shortcuts, everything done properly."

The Bentley philosophy became emblematic for the young Cody. "When I was training every day, even as a kid, that same mindset applied, focus on the small things, keep your standards high, don’t rush the process.

"Bentley became a symbol of that for me. It wasn’t just about owning a nice car one day, it was more about what it represented: discipline, consistency, and pride in your craft.

"It became something I connected to personally. Something that represented hard work paying off."

So it's more than simply an emotional link between Bentley and Gakpo's life and sport. It's about an approach, a system, a regimen.

"The way Bentley builds with purpose and precision, I tried to build my career with that same kind of mentality, one step at a time, with care and dedication."

So his Bentley Bentayga Speed will be a symbol of success, but one that represents values deeper and more grounded than simply image. "Success isn’t just about trophies or recognition, it’s about character, discipline, and how you treat people."