Cody Gakpo shares loss of unborn son during World Cup
Liverpool and Netherlands forward Cody Gakpo and his partner, Noa van der Bij, announced on Saturday that their unborn son, Elijah Raphael Gakpo, died during pregnancy. Gakpo, who is on World Cup duty, asked fans and media for privacy and space as the family grieves their expected second child, due in October.
The news landed as the Netherlands prepare for a last-32 clash with Morocco at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Gakpo has been a key figure for the Oranje in the tournament, but the announcement shifts attention from the pitch to a deeply personal loss shared publicly on social media.
Key Takeaways
- Model Noa van der Bij revealed the loss in Instagram stories on Saturday, naming the baby Elijah Raphael Gakpo.
- The couple were expecting their second child together, with a due date in October; they already have a son, Samuel.
- Gakpo asked for privacy and space while remaining on World Cup duty with the Netherlands.
- The 27-year-old has started all three Dutch group games and scored twice against Sweden as the Netherlands reached the knockout stages.
- The Netherlands face Morocco in the round of 32 on Tuesday at 02:00 BST in Mexico.
What did Cody Gakpo and Noa van der Bij say?
Van der Bij posted a photo on social media showing the couple holding hands over a blanket and knitted hat. "With broken hearts, we share the devastating news that our baby boy passed away during pregnancy," she wrote, adding: "Thank you for your love and support. Elijah Raphael Gakpo. Forever loved. Forever our son."
In a follow-up story, she shared a photo of a candle and cross and said the family went to church before visiting a playground with Samuel. She wrote that the only other child there was named Elijah, calling it "a more beautiful sign from God" that their son is "never far away."
Gakpo posted separately while with the Netherlands squad. "This is an incredibly difficult time for our family," he wrote. "We kindly ask for our privacy and space. Thank you for your understanding."
Why does this matter for the Netherlands at the World Cup?
Gakpo is playing in his second World Cup for the Netherlands and has been central to their campaign. The 27-year-old started all three group matches and scored twice in a 5-1 win over Sweden as the Dutch advanced to the knockout stage.
His availability and focus will now be watched closely ahead of the Morocco tie. The fixture is scheduled for Tuesday at 02:00 BST in Mexico as the Netherlands continue their World Cup run.
What happens next for Gakpo and the Dutch squad?
The initial announcements did not detail any change to Gakpo's World Cup status. For now, the family's public message is a request for privacy rather than further comment.
Readers following major breaking stories can find more updates in our Fintech & Crypto Alerts coverage hub. For the original reporting, see BBC Sport's account of the announcement.