Cody Gakpo has asked the public and media to respect his family’s privacy following the heartbreaking loss of his unborn son, as the Liverpool forward continues to represent the Netherlands at the 2026 World Cup in Mexico.
His partner, Noa van der Bij, shared the devastating news on Saturday via Instagram, posting an image of the couple holding hands over a small blanket and a knitted hat — a poignant tribute to their baby boy, who had been due in October.
“With broken hearts, we share the devastating news that our baby boy passed away during pregnancy,” Van der Bij wrote. “Thank you for your love and support. Elijah Raphael Gakpo. Forever loved. Forever our son.”
The couple, who already have a son named Samuel, later visited a church to light a candle. In a subsequent social media post, Van der Bij recounted a moment of quiet solace:
“Afterward, we walked to the church playground with our son Samuel. There was only one other child there. His name was Elijah. There could not have been a more beautiful sign from God. He reminded us that our little boy is never far away.”
Gakpo’s public plea
In his own statement, Gakpo — who is currently in Mexico City with the Dutch national squad — wrote:
“This is an incredibly difficult time for our family. We kindly ask for our privacy and space. Thank you for your understanding.”
The Netherlands Football Association (KNVB) has confirmed that the player has been given full support and that his participation in the upcoming knockout match remains his decision. Head coach Ronald Koeman is understood to have spoken privately with Gakpo, leaving the door open for him to step away if needed — though the player has shown a determination to remain with the group.
A campaign tinged with emotion
Gakpo has started all three of the Netherlands’ Group C matches, scoring twice in the 3-1 victory over Sweden that secured top spot in the group. His performances have been instrumental in guiding the Oranje to the round of 32, where they will face a formidable Morocco side on Tuesday (02:00 BST) at the Estadio Azteca.
The forward, who joined Liverpool from PSV Eindhoven in January 2023 for an initial £37 million, has become a key figure for both club and country. This is his second World Cup appearance, having featured in Qatar 2022, where he scored three goals in the group stage.
Liverpool and teammates offer support
Liverpool issued a brief statement expressing their condolences, saying: “The entire Liverpool family sends our love and support to Cody, Noa, and their family during this unimaginably difficult time. We ask that their request for privacy is respected.”
Teammates from both Liverpool and the Netherlands camp have reportedly reached out privately. Dutch captain Virgil van Dijk, who also plays alongside Gakpo at Anfield, is said to have been a source of strength, offering comfort and a listening ear throughout the past few days.
A tragic reminder of grief in sport
The news echoes other instances of footballers facing personal tragedy while on international duty, and it has sparked an outpouring of sympathy from fans across the world. Social media has been flooded with messages of support, with many praising Van der Bij’s courage in sharing such an intimate loss publicly.
The couple, who have been together for several years, have often shared glimpses of their family life on social media. Van der Bij, a Dutch model and influencer, has previously spoken about the joys of motherhood and their son Samuel, who was born in 2023.
What lies ahead
As the Netherlands prepare for their knockout tie, the focus will inevitably remain on Gakpo’s emotional state. Koeman is expected to address the matter in his pre-match press conference, though it is understood that the team has circled around their teammate, offering him space while keeping him close.
For now, Gakpo’s priority is clear: to honour his son’s memory while navigating the demands of a World Cup campaign — and to do so away from the glare of public scrutiny, as he and his partner begin the long process of healing.
If you have been affected by the issues in this story, support and guidance are available via the BBC Action Line and other bereavement charities.
