Cody Gakpo's wife Noa van der Bij has shared the devastating news that their unborn baby boy passed away during pregnancy. Posting on social media last week, she wrote: "With broken hearts, we share the devastating news that our baby boy passed away during pregnancy." Alongside a photograph of the couple holding hands over a blanket and a small knitted hat, she revealed they had named him Elijah Raphael Gakpo. "Forever loved. Forever our son," she said.
Van der Bij described visiting a local church to light a candle after the loss. Leaving, she took their young son Samuel to a playground. "There was only one other child there," she noted. "His name was Elijah." She described the encounter as "a beautiful sign from God."
“Noa van der Bij announces stillbirth of son Elijah; Gakpo's Liverpool future uncertain amid new signings.”
The news comes as Gakpo is at the World Cup with the Netherlands, where he scored twice against Sweden. Asked about his role for his country compared to Liverpool, he said: "A good question. Obviously it's a little bit different… the freedom that I have," before stopping himself.
His Liverpool future faces uncertainty. The Reds have signed winger Victor Munoz from Osasuna for £34.5m and expressed interest in RB Leipzig forward Yan Diomande for a package of £86m — both of whom primarily play down the left, Gakpo's preferred position. Last season his numbers fell to nine goals and six assists, down from 18 goals and seven assists in Liverpool's title-winning 2024-25 campaign. Manager Andoni Iraola will now shape the attack, with Florian Wirtz also featuring on the left.
Despite the competition, Gakpo signed a long-term deal last summer and has scored 50 goals in 180 appearances, only the second Dutchman to reach that mark for Liverpool after Dirk Kuyt. But with Hugo Ekitike out until 2027 and at least one more attacking signing expected, his place is not guaranteed.