The Netherlands’ World Cup campaign has been overshadowed by heartbreaking personal news for star forward Cody Gakpo, who has suffered the devastating loss of his unborn child during the tournament. The deeply emotional development comes as the Dutch side prepares for the knockout stage after finishing top of Group F.
The Netherlands are scheduled to face Morocco in the Round of 32 on 30 June, but the focus has shifted away from football following the tragedy affecting one of the team’s key players.
Gakpo’s wife, Noa van der Bij, shared the news in an emotional message on social media, revealing that their unborn baby had died during pregnancy. In her statement, she wrote: “With broken hearts, we share that our baby passed away during pregnancy. Thank you for all your love and support. We will love you forever. You will always be our son.”
She also revealed that the couple had chosen the name Elijah Raphael Gakpo for their son. Alongside the message, she posted a black-and-white photograph in tribute to the child they had been expecting.
In a subsequent post, Van der Bij described a deeply personal experience that brought comfort to the family during their grief. After lighting a candle in church, she and their son, Samuel, went into the church courtyard, where they unexpectedly met another young boy named Elijah. She said the encounter felt like a meaningful sign, offering reassurance that their son would always remain close to them in spirit.
Gakpo later shared his wife’s statement on his own social media accounts and appealed for privacy as the family copes with the loss. The Dutch international wrote: “This is an incredibly difficult time for our family. We kindly ask that our privacy is respected and that we are given the time and space we need. Thank you.”
The news has prompted an outpouring of sympathy from supporters and the wider football community. Although players regularly perform under intense pressure during major international tournaments, personal tragedies such as this serve as a reminder that they often face profound challenges away from the pitch.
Gakpo has started all three of the Netherlands’ group-stage matches and has remained an important figure in Ronald Koeman’s squad throughout the tournament. His form and attacking influence have played a significant role in helping the Dutch finish as Group F winners and secure a place in the knockout rounds.
Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf has reported that, despite his family’s heartbreaking loss, Gakpo is still expected to be available for the upcoming fixture against Morocco. However, no official confirmation has been made regarding his participation, and the final decision is expected to rest with both the player and the Dutch coaching staff.
As the Netherlands continue their pursuit of World Cup success, the football world has united in offering compassion and support to Gakpo and his family during one of the most difficult moments of their lives.