On a Saturday in late June, Liverpool footballer Cody Gakpo’s partner, Noa van der Bij, posted a heartbreaking message on Instagram: "With broken hearts, we share the devastating news that our baby boy passed away during pregnancy." The couple, who had announced the pregnancy in May, had already named their son Elijah Raphael Gakpo. Gakpo, 26, was in the United States at the time, competing in the World Cup with the Netherlands national team. His imminent future at the tournament is now uncertain as the family navigates this tragedy.
Miscarriage is the loss of a pregnancy before 24 weeks, while a stillbirth is defined as a baby born dead after 24 completed weeks of pregnancy. In England, stillbirth occurs in around 1 in every 200 births. The emotional and physical impact on a woman is intense: alongside physical recovery, mothers often face grief, loneliness, guilt, depression, and PTSD. The trauma can be equally severe for those who undergo a late termination for medical reasons.
“Cody Gakpo's partner's miscarriage highlights the personal tragedies behind professional sport and the support available in the UK.”
For professional athletes, personal tragedies like miscarriage often unfold under the glare of public scrutiny. Gakpo, a Liverpool winger, was on international duty – a role that demands focus and performance. Balancing elite sport with devastating personal loss is a challenge few can imagine, yet it is a reality many have faced. Public figures sharing their grief can help normalise a subject that is often shrouded in silence. The couple, who already have a son, Samuel Seth, born in 2024, wrote that they lit a candle in a church in honour of Elijah and found a “beautiful sign” in meeting another child who shared his name.
For UK readers, this story is a reminder that miscarriage and stillbirth are common but little discussed. Charities such as Sands (Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Society) offer free, confidential, and judgment-free support. The emotional and physical toll – including the risk of depression and PTSD – is often underestimated. For athletes, the added pressure of public expectation can make it harder to grieve openly, but Gakpo and van der Bij’s decision to share their loss may encourage others to seek help.
Q: What is a miscarriage? Miscarriage is the loss of a pregnancy before 24 weeks. After 24 weeks, the loss of a baby is called a stillbirth, which occurs in about 1 in every 200 births in England.
Q: How common is miscarriage? Miscarriage is very common – it is estimated that 1 in 4 pregnancies end in loss. Many go unreported. The emotional impact can include grief, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Q: What support is available in the UK for those affected? Charities such as Sands provide free, confidential support at every stage, including for partners and families. They offer helplines, bereavement support, and resources for those who have experienced miscarriage, stillbirth, or neonatal death.
Q: What happens next for Cody Gakpo? Gakpo’s availability for the Netherlands’ World Cup campaign is uncertain. The team and Liverpool have offered support. The couple have asked for privacy as they honour their son Elijah Raphael Gakpo.