Cody Gakpo fell to his knees and wept as the ball hit the back of the net – a goal scored just days after he and his partner lost their unborn son. The 27-year-old Liverpool forward opened the scoring for the Netherlands in the 72nd minute of their World Cup last-32 tie against Morocco, a moment of raw emotion that saw him immediately collapse to the turf, his head buried in the grass.
His teammates rushed to surround him, forming a protective circle. Tottenham defender Micky van de Ven kissed him on the head. Captain Virgil van Dijk embraced him as they walked back to their own half. Gakpo pointed to the heavens before pulling his shirt over his tear-streaked face.
“Cody Gakpo scores emotional World Cup goal days after losing unborn son, Netherlands exit on penalties.”
The goal came after a devastating personal tragedy. On Saturday, Gakpo’s partner, model Noa van der Bij, announced on social media that the couple’s baby boy had died during pregnancy. “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.” The couple were expecting their second child, due in October, after welcoming their first son, Samuel Seth Gakpo, in 2024. Gakpo chose to remain with the Dutch squad.
After Gakpo’s goal, Van der Bij posted: “So proud”, alongside praying and love heart emojis.
Yet the Netherlands could not hold on. Morocco defender Issa Diop levelled in stoppage time, forcing extra time. Gakpo was substituted in the 113th minute and did not take part in the shootout. The north Africans won the penalty shootout 3-2, ending the Dutch campaign. Virgil van Dijk, who had comforted Gakpo earlier, could not prevent the exit.
Gakpo started all of his country’s World Cup matches and scored three times in total. But this strike, against the backdrop of personal grief, was unlike any other. As he rose from his knees and allowed himself a brief smile, joining teammate Crysencio Summerville in celebration, the weight of the moment was unmistakable. For a player who had lost a son, then scored for his nation, the night ended in both triumph and tears – and ultimately, elimination.