Cody Gakpo breaks down after emotional goal vs Morocco
Netherlands and Liverpool star Cody Gakpo broke down in tears after scoring the opening goal against Morocco in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32—just days after his partner announced the devastating loss of their unborn son, Elijah Raphael Gakpo. The 27-year-old forward's raw celebration quickly became one of the most emotional moments of the tournament, drawing global attention to both his sporting courage and his family's private grief.
Key Takeaways
- Cody Gakpo scored the Netherlands' opening goal against Morocco in the World Cup Round of 32.
- He broke down in tears during the celebration, shortly after partner Noa van der Bij shared news of their pregnancy loss.
- The couple named their unborn son Elijah Raphael Gakpo and asked for privacy while Gakpo remains with the Dutch squad.
- Gakpo had already starred in the group stage, starting all three Netherlands matches and scoring twice against Sweden.
What happened when Cody Gakpo scored against Morocco?
During the Netherlands' Round of 32 clash with Morocco at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Cody Gakpo opened the scoring for Ronald Koeman's side. Footage shared by BBC Sport captured the moment the Liverpool forward broke down in tears after finding the net.
Teammates rushed to embrace Gakpo as the celebration turned into one of the tournament's most poignant scenes. ITV described it as an "emotional goal" that reflected the weight Gakpo has been carrying off the pitch.
Why was Cody Gakpo's celebration so emotional?
The goal came just days after Gakpo and his partner, model Noa van der Bij, shared heartbreaking personal news. On Saturday, June 27, van der Bij posted to Instagram that their baby boy had passed away during pregnancy.
"With broken hearts, we share the devastating news that our baby boy passed away during pregnancy," she wrote, alongside a photo of the couple's hands over a blanket and knitted hat. She named their son Elijah Raphael Gakpo, adding: "Forever loved. Forever our son."
Gakpo reposted the image and wrote: "This is an incredibly difficult time for our family. We kindly ask for our privacy and space. Thank you for your understanding." The couple were expecting their second child together, with the baby due in October, according to BBC Sport.
Why did Gakpo choose to keep playing at the World Cup?
Despite the tragedy, Gakpo decided to remain with the Netherlands squad for the knockout stage. People.com reported that the Dutch star would continue to play with the team after discussions with his partner.
Before the Morocco match, the 27-year-old had already been one of the Netherlands' standout performers. He started all three group-stage games as the Dutch advanced to the last 32, scoring twice in a win over Sweden.
The story has resonated far beyond football, placing a global spotlight on how athletes navigate private grief under public scrutiny. For more breaking celebrity and sports news, see our Celebrity Breaking News coverage.
How has Noa van der Bij spoken about the family's loss?
In a follow-up Instagram post, van der Bij shared a photo of a candle and cross, writing that the family went to church before walking to a playground with their son Samuel. She described meeting another child named Elijah there, writing that "there could not have been a more beautiful sign from God."
The family has repeatedly asked supporters and media for space as they grieve. The Netherlands' Round of 32 match against Morocco was played in Mexico, according to BBC Sport, with Gakpo taking the field amid an outpouring of sympathy from fans worldwide.