Cody Gakpo’s unusual moment in Liverpool’s FA Cup third-round tie against Barnsley has quickly become one of the most talked-about incidents from the match. In a game that ended with a comfortable 4-1 victory for the Reds at Anfield on January 12, 2026, the Dutch forward delivered a display of sheer determination that had little to do with goals or assists. Just after the half-hour mark, while adjusting his right boot during a brief pause in play, the ball suddenly came his way. Without hesitation, Gakpo picked up possession and surged forward on a counter-attack—still clutching the loose boot in his right hand.

The scene unfolded as Gakpo dribbled and ran more than 50 yards up the pitch, one-footed in his left boot, the right one dangling from his grip like an unlikely accessory. Barnsley’s defenders, caught off guard by the bizarre sight, failed to capitalize on what could have been an easy turnover opportunity. Gakpo eventually lost control or was closed down, but the action highlighted his relentless work rate and refusal to let a minor equipment issue disrupt the flow. The moment was captured on video and shared widely on social media, with clips from accounts like @oscvrr_ going viral almost immediately.

Liverpool dominated much of the encounter under Arne Slot, who fielded a strong lineup despite the cup tie against League One opposition. Dominik Szoboszlai opened the scoring early with a stunning long-range strike, and Jeremie Frimpong doubled the lead before halftime. Barnsley pulled one back through Adam Phillips after a rare error from Szoboszlai, but second-half substitutes Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike sealed the win with late goals. Gakpo, starting as the central forward, was a constant presence in attack, though he didn’t find the net himself. He created chances, including a pinpoint cross that Virgil van Dijk nearly converted, and showed flashes of his versatility.

The boot incident, however, stole the spotlight for its sheer comedy and commitment. Losing a boot is not uncommon in football—players often stop to retie laces or fix issues—but continuing the attack while carrying the footwear is exceptionally rare. Gakpo’s decision spoke to his professionalism and competitive spirit. In a sport where milliseconds matter, pausing to put the boot back on could have meant losing possession entirely. Instead, he powered on, turning a potential mishap into a memorable highlight.

This wasn’t Gakpo’s first show of resilience this season. The 26-year-old has been a key figure in Liverpool’s attack, joint-second in the club’s scoring charts with six goals across competitions. His ability to play multiple forward roles has made him invaluable, especially with injuries affecting other options like Alexander Isak in reports. Slot has praised Gakpo’s adaptability, noting his effectiveness whether deployed centrally or wide. Against Barnsley, the tactical setup saw him leading the line alongside Federico Chiesa and young Rio Ngumoha, with Gakpo dropping deep at times to link play.

Barnsley, to their credit, made the game competitive for long periods. The League One side frustrated Liverpool with compact defending and quick counters, hitting the post early and creating openings that tested the home side’s concentration. Conor Hourihane’s team appealed passionately for a penalty in the second half when Reyes Cleary went down under challenge from Szoboszlai, but referee decisions stood firm without VAR intervention in the early rounds.

Post-match analysis focused on Liverpool’s progression to the fourth round, where they will face Brighton. The win maintained momentum amid a demanding schedule, but questions lingered about individual performances. Some pundits, including those on the Daily Red Podcast, critiqued Gakpo’s overall night as underwhelming in terms of end product, suggesting he and others like Federico Chiesa might face scrutiny over summer futures. Yet the boot-carrying episode countered that narrative with humor, reminding fans of Gakpo’s never-say-die attitude.

Social media erupted with reactions. Fans shared laughing emojis, memes comparing Gakpo to players running barefoot in street football, and praise for his dedication. One viral post noted how he “ran from our half to Barnsley’s with a boot in his hand,” while French-language accounts highlighted the absurdity with captions like “Cody Gakpo a perdu son crampon… et a quand même décidé de poursuivre l’action.” The clip’s spread underscored football’s ability to produce light-hearted moments amid high stakes.

For Gakpo personally, the incident adds to a growing collection of quirky highlights. His journey from PSV to Liverpool has been marked by adaptability and quiet determination. Arriving in January 2023, he quickly endeared himself with crucial goals and work ethic. This season under Slot, he’s continued that trend, contributing in big games while stepping up in rotation scenarios.

The broader context of the tie reflected the magic of the FA Cup. Lower-league sides like Barnsley arrive with belief, and upsets remain possible. Liverpool avoided one through quality and depth, but the game wasn’t without its oddities—Szoboszlai’s howler for the concession being another. Gakpo’s boot saga, though, stood out as harmless fun in an otherwise professional performance.

As Liverpool prepares for tougher tests, including domestic league clashes and potential deeper cup runs, moments like this humanize the stars. Gakpo didn’t score, but he gave fans something to chuckle about and admire: pure commitment, one boot at a time. In a season full of pressure, such light relief reminds everyone why football captivates—because even when things slip off, the game goes on.