Netherlands forward Cody Gakpo has appealed for privacy after he and his partner, Noa van der Bij, announced the heartbreaking loss of their unborn son.
Van der Bij shared the news in an emotional post on Instagram, accompanied by a photograph of the couple holding hands over a blanket and a knitted baby hat.
“With broken hearts, we share the devastating news that our baby boy passed away during pregnancy,” she wrote.
“Thank you for your love and support. Elijah Raphael Gakpo. Forever loved. Forever our son.”
She also posted a photograph of a lit candle beside a cross, describing a deeply personal moment that brought the family comfort.
“We went to church to light a candle. Afterwards, we walked to the church playground with our son Samuel,” she wrote.
“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.”
The couple welcomed their first child, Samuel, in April 2024.
Gakpo later shared a brief statement of his own, asking for understanding as the family grieves.
“This is an incredibly difficult time for our family,” the Liverpool F.C. forward wrote.
“We kindly ask for our privacy and space. Thank you for your understanding.”
Despite the personal tragedy, the 27-year-old remains with the Netherlands squad at the FIFA World Cup in the United States, where he has started all three group-stage matches and scored twice.
Managed by Ronald Koeman, the Netherlands finished top of their group and are set to face Morocco in the Round of 32 in Mexico on Monday.
Messages of support have continued to pour in from across the football community, with fans and fellow professionals expressing their condolences to Gakpo and his family during what is undoubtedly one of the most difficult periods of their lives.
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