Cody Gakpo and his partner Noa van der Bij have announced the devastating loss of their unborn son, Elijah, with the Liverpool and Netherlands forward asking for “privacy and space” while on World Cup duty.
“With broken hearts, we share the devastating news that our baby boy passed away during pregnancy,” van der Bij wrote on social media, posting a picture of the pair holding hands over a blanket and knitted hat. “Elijah Raphael Gakpo. Forever loved. Forever our son.” In a second post, she shared a photo of a candle in a church, describing a sign from God: “There could not have been a more beautiful sign from God. He reminded us that our little boy is never far away.”
“Liverpool and Netherlands forward Cody Gakpo and his partner Noa van der Bij announce the loss of their unborn son Elijah.”
The couple, who have a son Samuel born in 2024, had announced in May they were expecting a second child due in October. Gakpo, 27, is currently at the World Cup in Mexico, where he has started all three group games and scored twice against Sweden. His partner is in the United States supporting him. Dutch outlet De Telegraaf reported that Gakpo did not get off the team bus for training four days ago, later arriving by car. The KNVB said there was a good reason, without elaborating.
Meanwhile, Gakpo's club future at Liverpool faces uncertainty. He scored 18 goals in Liverpool's 2024-25 title-winning campaign and signed a long-term deal last summer. But last season his numbers dropped to nine goals and six assists. With Liverpool signing winger Victor Munoz from Osasuna for £34.5m — a player who primarily plays on the left, Gakpo's preferred position — and the club expressing interest in paying £86m for RB Leipzig's Yan Diomande, competition is intensifying. Gakpo has 50 goals in 180 appearances for Liverpool, only the second Dutchman after Dirk Kuyt to reach that mark. Manager Andoni Iraola's plans could determine his future.
Liverpool supporters rallied online. One account tweeted: “Sending our thoughts, love and condolences to Cody Gakpo and his family following the heartbreaking news of the loss of their baby boy. YNWA.” The post was viewed over 213,000 times on X.
The Netherlands next play Morocco in the last 32 on Tuesday.