VideoCody Gakpo celebrates his black role models for Black History Month

Discussing his footballing black role models, Gakpo highlights two legendary Dutch footballers – Frank Rijkaard and Ruud Gullit – as his inspirations in the game. Both players, renowned for their skill and leadership, paved the way for many black players in the sport.

Closer to home, Gakpo also recognises the influence of his teammates Virgil van Dijk and Georginio Wijnaldum, who push him to be at his best every day.

Off the pitch, Gakpo speaks passionately about his admiration for Nelson Mandela and Martin Luther King Jr. – two iconic figures who fought for equality through non-violent resistance. Their ability to inspire change in the face of adversity resonates deeply with Gakpo, who praises their enduring legacy in the struggle for justice and human rights.

Gakpo also talks about his recent travels to his father's birthplace of Togo to reconnect with his family and heritage. Reflecting on the experience, he says: "You know you're a little bit different and some things don't really fall into place, but now you see both sides of where you're from. So everything fitted."

He describes the trip as a meaningful journey of self-discovery, adding: "Connecting to yourself, to your family from the other side, it was a great experience and I think I learned a lot from them as well – how they look at life, how they do certain things. I was really grateful to be there and it certainly won't be my last time."

On being seen as a role model himself, the Reds forward emphasises the importance of leading by example, saying: "I try to be a good example for the younger generation, encouraging them to understand that they have the freedom to achieve what they like to achieve in life."

You can watch Gakpo's interview in full here.

Throughout October, as part of the Red Together initiative – LFC's ongoing commitment to championing equality, diversity and inclusion – the club and LFC Foundation will host various events and activities to celebrate Black History Month and recognise the invaluable contributions of black people to British society, both in football and beyond.

As part of the club's ongoing colleague education and engagement programme, it will host an exclusive staff event featuring Irene Afful, the first black, female inspector for Merseyside Police. Afful is a pioneer and role model with a wealth of experience and will lead the discussion on bias and microaggressions and explore how these issues manifest and impact individuals, as well as how to recognise and mitigate bias.

LFC Foundation will also be participating in an U14s tournament with Aston Villa in Birmingham, as well as hosting its annual Premier League Kicks tournament at Anfield Sports and Community Centre, bringing together teams from clubs including Villa, Everton and West Bromwich Albion.

The Anthony Walker Foundation will also provide an educational workshop to highlight the significance of Black History Month.