Gakpo Suffers Family Tragedy During World Cup

The Netherlands’ World Cup campaign has been overshadowed by heartbreaking personal news for star forward Cody Gakpo, who has suffered the devastating loss of his unborn son during one of the most important tournaments of his career.

The Dutch national team progressed to the knockout stage as winners of Group F and are preparing for their Round of 32 fixture against Morocco on 30 June. As the squad focuses on the challenge ahead, Gakpo has found himself coping with an unimaginable family tragedy away from the pitch.

Gakpo’s wife, Noa van der Bij, announced on social media that the couple’s unborn child had died during pregnancy. In an emotional message, she wrote that they were sharing the news with “broken hearts”, expressing gratitude for the love and support they had received while paying tribute to their son. She added that he would always remain their child and would forever hold a place in their hearts.

She also revealed that the baby had been named Elijah Raphael Gakpo. Alongside the statement, Van der Bij shared a poignant black-and-white photograph, prompting an outpouring of sympathy from supporters, fellow footballers and members of the wider football community.

In a subsequent post, Van der Bij described a deeply personal moment that brought the family a measure of comfort during their grief. After lighting a candle in a church, she and their son, Samuel, walked into the church grounds, where they unexpectedly met another child named Elijah. She said the encounter felt like a meaningful sign, giving them the comforting sense that their unborn son remained close to them in spirit.

Gakpo later reposted his wife’s message on his own social media accounts and appealed to supporters and the media to respect the family’s privacy during this exceptionally difficult period. The forward, who started all three of the Netherlands’ group-stage matches, said the family needed time and space to process their loss. He thanked everyone who had offered kindness, prayers and words of encouragement.

The news has cast a shadow over Dutch football at a time when the national team is enjoying a successful run in the tournament. While preparations continue for the knockout clash with Morocco, attention has naturally shifted towards Gakpo’s well-being, with many recognising that football becomes secondary in the face of such profound personal grief.

According to Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf, there remains a strong possibility that Gakpo will be available for the upcoming knockout match despite the tragedy. Any final decision, however, is expected to rest with head coach Ronald Koeman and the Netherlands coaching staff, who will take into account both the player’s emotional condition and his own wishes before confirming his involvement.

The incident serves as a poignant reminder that elite athletes often face deeply personal challenges away from the public eye. Even amid the intensity and global spotlight of a World Cup, moments of profound loss transcend the game itself. Across the football world, messages of compassion and support have continued to pour in as Gakpo and his family mourn the loss of their unborn son.