Bentley Motors has appointed professional footballer Cody Gakpo as its new ambassador for the UK and Europe, aligning the Liverpool player’s precision, performance and drive with the luxury marque’s modern identity and engineering heritage.
Gakpo, who plays for both Liverpool FC and the Dutch national team, is regarded as one of Europe’s leading athletes. Bentley says his commitment to excellence mirrors the company’s own 106-year legacy of performance engineering. As ambassador, he will work with the brand to help shape public perception of Bentley’s evolving vision as it continues to blend heritage craftsmanship with contemporary performance.
Earlier this year, Gakpo visited Bentley’s headquarters in Crewe, located close to his home in Cheshire. The tour gave him an insight into the meticulous craftsmanship involved in building the company’s high-performance vehicles, including a hands-on attempt at stitching a steering wheel. During his visit, he met with Phillip Dean from Bentley’s Mulliner division to design a bespoke specification for his new Bentayga Speed, due to be delivered in early 2026. The final design features a Rubino Red exterior paired with a Pillar Box Red and Beluga interior — a personal nod to his Liverpool FC colours.
Gakpo currently drives a Bentayga S Black Edition V8 in Royal Ebony Satin, a Mulliner-exclusive paint finish chosen to honour his Dutch heritage, with a Mandarin and Beluga interior reflecting the national team’s signature orange. He has also purchased a Bentayga for his father in the Netherlands, whom he credits as his greatest inspiration.
Nicola Brown, Bentley’s Head of Marketing for EMEA, said the partnership embodies a natural alignment. “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.”
Reflecting on the role, Gakpo said Bentley represents values rooted in family and ambition. “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. 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.”
Beyond his sporting achievements, Gakpo is known for his philanthropic commitments. Each year he travels to Togo, his father’s homeland, where he supports initiatives focused on sport, education and community development. His efforts include running an annual football tournament and working closely with local charities, underscoring what Bentley describes as a shared passion for meaningful contribution.
Gakpo’s appointment follows several recent high-profile additions to Bentley’s creative and ambassadorial roster, including External Creative Directors Mai Ikuzawa and Greg Williams, and brand ambassador Lucien Laviscount.
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