Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo and his partner Noa van der Bij have announced the heartbreaking loss of their unborn son, Elijah, who passed away during pregnancy. The couple had joyfully announced in May that they were expecting their second child, a boy, due in October, following the birth of their son Samuel in 2024.
Devastating announcement on social media
In two Instagram stories posted on Saturday, Van der Bij confirmed the tragic news, sharing a tender photograph of the couple holding hands over a blanket and a knitted hat, alongside the caption: "With broken hearts, we share the devastating news that our baby boy passed away during pregnancy. Thank you for your love and support. Elijah Raphael Gakpo Forever loved. Forever our son."
In a subsequent story, she shared an image of a lit candle inside a church, captioning it: "We went to church to light a candle. Afterward, we walked to the church playground with our son Samuel. There was only one other child there. His name was Elijah. There could not have been a more beautiful sign from God He reminded us that our little boy is never far away."
Gakpo's World Cup involvement
The 27-year-old is currently representing the Netherlands at the World Cup, while his partner Noa remains in the United States to cheer on the Liverpool attacker during the tournament. The precise timing of the tragedy remains unknown, as Van der Bij had continued to post regularly on social media throughout the summer following the conclusion of Liverpool's season.
She shared a series of photographs on Instagram at the start of June, balancing a drink on her baby bump, before posting additional images from Texas and during the Oranje's World Cup opening match against Japan.
Team support and fan reaction
Dutch publication De Telegraaf reported that Gakpo remained on the team coach during training four days ago but was subsequently transported by car. The Dutch football federation, KNVB, confirmed at the time he wasn't tardy but cited a valid reason for the arrangement.
Liverpool fans on social media were quick to rally around the striker and his partner after the heartbreaking announcement. One account posted: "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, which has been viewed more than 213,000 times on X, prompted an outpouring of sympathy and messages of solidarity in the comments. Another user responded: "No words for this. Just so, so sorry for Cody and his family. This is the kind of pain that puts everything else into perspective. We're with you, Cody. All the love in the world. Take all the time you need. YNWA."
Upcoming World Cup fixtures
The Netherlands return to World Cup action on June 30 (3am BST) when they face Morocco at the Monterrey Stadium in Mexico. The victors will meet the winners of South Africa and co-host Canada in Houston, Texas on July 4 (6pm BST). Gakpo has found the net twice in the tournament thus far as he looks to maintain his international form under Ronald Koeman. The 27-year-old made a name for himself with the Dutch national side at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, with his impressive displays earning him a transfer to Liverpool.
