Netherlands forward Cody Gakpo shares loss of unborn son

Netherlands forward Cody Gakpo’s partner, Noa van der Bij, announced on Saturday that their unborn son has tragically passed away during pregnancy.

Gakpo’s Family Loss

Gakpo and van der Bij, who already share a son, had been expecting the new baby in October. Despite this heartbreaking news, Gakpo remains with the Netherlands team competing in the FIFA World Cup 2026, where the team has successfully advanced to the knockout stage.

In a heartfelt social media post, van der Bij shared a photo showing their hands over a blanket and a small knitted hat, announcing the loss of their son, Elijay Raphael Gakpo. She wrote, “Thank you for your love and support. Forever loved. Forever our son.”

Support from the KNVB

The Dutch Football Association (KNVB) confirmed that Gakpo will continue his participation in the tournament. “We are with Cody and his family,” a spokesperson stated. “This is a very sad private situation, and we support him in every way we can.”

Following discussions with his partner, Gakpo chose to stay with the team. The KNVB emphasized their respect for the family’s privacy during this difficult time.

At 27, Gakpo has already made significant contributions to the tournament, scoring twice in their group stage victory against Sweden. The Netherlands is scheduled to face Morocco, a semifinalist from 2022, in a round of 32 matchup on Monday in Mexico.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.