- A celebrated sportsman of global renown, Cody Gakpo is the ideal ambassador for Bentley UK and Europe, embodying performance at the highest level
- The international and Premier League footballer recently commissioned a new Bentayga Speed with Bentley Mulliner, set to be delivered in 2026
- He is currently the driver of a bespoke Bentley Bentayga S Black Edition, a customer and a lifelong admirer of the marque
- Solidifying his relationship with Bentley, Gakpo will champion the brand’s values of performance throughout his ambassadorship
Bentley Motors announces the appointment of professional footballer Cody Gakpo as its new ambassador for the UK and Europe. Known for his precision and drive, both on and off the pitch, Gakpo reflects Bentley’s spirit of performance across each aspect of its business.
An elite athlete at the pinnacle of his career, Gakpo shares the same dedication to excellence that has defined Bentley’s performance engineering throughout its 106-year history. In his new role as ambassador, he will collaborate with Bentley to help further shape public perception of the marque’s modern vision and pioneering performance.
Earlier this year, the Bentley Motors team in Crewe welcomed Gakpo to the factory – just a stone’s throw from his own Cheshire home. Immersed in the world of craftsmanship, he observed the meticulous engineering behind Bentley’s high-performance vehicles and was struck by the precision and attention-to-detail. He even tried his hand at stitching a steering wheel, experiencing the skill and care that goes into every car.
During his visit, Gakpo met with Phillip Dean of Bentley’s Mulliner team, to draw up a unique specification for his new Bentayga Speed, the keys to which will be in his hands in early 2026. He chose a striking combination of Rubino Red exterior, with a Pillar Box Red and Beluga interior – a nod to his Liverpool FC team colours. Gakpo currently drives a Bentayga S Black Edition V8 in Royal Ebony Satin – a special Mulliner paint colour – with a Mandarin and Beluga interior, in homage to his Dutch heritage and national team, ‘Oranje’ or orange. Two Bentaygas, each with deeply meaningful customisation touches. He also purchased a Bentayga for his father in The Netherlands, the man who he credits as his greatest inspiration.
Head of Marketing EMEA, Nicola Brown, explains: “This partnership marks a moment where elite athletic performance matches that of our cars. We are delighted to welcome Cody Gakpo as our ambassador for the UK and Europe. We share an unwavering pursuit of excellence and dedication to our craft.”
Cody Gakpo comments: “Growing up, my parents always showed me what hard work really means. Gifting my dad his Bentayga was a full circle moment, a way of saying thank you for everything he’s taught me, and something we used to dream about together. For me, Bentley represents family, ambition, and the idea of hard work paying off – a reflection of how far I’ve come and everything I’m still striving for. Being named an ambassador for Bentley Motors EMEA is an incredible honour, and hopefully I’ll be driving a Bentley for the rest of my life.”
A leading figure in the world of sport, Gakpo currently plays for Liverpool FC and OnsOranje, The Netherlands’ national football team, as well as holding an ambassadorship for Puma. A committed philanthropist, he travels annually to his father’s homeland of Togo, to champion local initiatives that harness the power of sport, education and collective uplift. There Gakpo hosts an annual football tournament, and works hands-on with local charities and community projects with a genuine desire to make a difference. A family man and a dog person – he shares Bentley’s passions to a tee!
Gakpo’s appointment joins a string of recent high-profile announcements from Bentley, including External Creative Directors, Mai Ikuzawa and Greg Williams, as well as brand ambassador Lucien Laviscount.
