On a historic night at Anfield, Liverpool clinched the 2024/25 Premier League title with a 5-1 rout of Tottenham Hotspur. The Kop erupted as the final whistle confirmed their 20th league championship, but one moment from the match will linger in football lore: Cody Gakpo’s electric third goal and the reveal of his undershirt, emblazoned with “I Belong to Jesus.”
The 25-year-old Dutch star’s goal was a masterclass in timing and precision, but it was his celebration that stole the spotlight. The message was a direct nod to Kaká’s unforgettable moment after Milan’s 2-1 win over Liverpool in the 2007 Champions League Final.
Gakpo’s celebration was no spur-of-the-moment act—it was a reflection of a faith that has shaped his life. Raised in Eindhoven in a Pentecostal Christian household with a Togolese father and Dutch mother, Gakpo grew up in a house where faith was central.
“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,” Gakpo revealed in a 2022 interview. During the 2022 FIFA World Cup, he and teammate Memphis Depay led Bible studies for 15 other Dutch players, a practice that strengthened team unity and earned praise from defender Denzel Dumfries.
Gakpo’s faith isn’t just personal—it’s a guiding force in his career. In a 2023 interview with The Athletic, he explained, “My religion helps not only my career but my whole life. It’s a lifestyle kind of thing for me. I take the Bible with me every day, whether it’s in the UK or wherever else.” This commitment was evident when he dedicated a goal against Tottenham on May 5, 2024, to his newborn son, Samuel, with a thumb-sucking celebration. Now, with his Kaká-inspired undershirt, Gakpo has taken his expressions of faith to a global stage.
Since joining Liverpool from PSV Eindhoven in January 2023 for a reported £35.4–44.3 million, Gakpo has evolved into a key component of Slot’s system. Initially deployed as a false nine or midfielder under Jürgen Klopp, Gakpo has thrived on the left flank this season. His 17 goals this campaign, including a brace in the Carabao Cup quarter-final against Brighton, have silenced early doubters who questioned his fit at Anfield.
Off the pitch, Gakpo’s humility and work ethic have endeared him to teammates and fans alike. His charity work in Togo, where he supports impoverished communities, reflects his desire to give back. Fatherhood has also shaped his perspective. “I want my son to learn to be honest, righteous, and kind,” he told ESPN in 2024, emphasizing the values he hopes to pass on.
So to answer the question, what drove Cody Gakpo to bare his soul after the goal against Tottenham? It was a tribute to a hero, a testament to his faith, and a celebration of a title-winning night.
