Gakpo Requests Privacy After Tragic Loss of Unborn Son During World Cup Campaign

Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo has asked the public for privacy and space following the devastating loss of his unborn child, even as he continues to represent the Netherlands at the FIFA World Cup in the United States and Mexico.

Gakpo's partner, Dutch model Noa van der Bij, broke the news on Saturday via Instagram, revealing that the couple's baby boy had passed away during pregnancy. The child had been due in October and would have been the couple's second child together. They already have a son named Samuel.

Van der Bij shared a deeply personal message alongside a photograph of the couple holding hands. "With broken hearts, we share the devastating news that our baby boy passed away during pregnancy," she wrote. "Elijah Raphael Gakpo. Forever loved. Forever our son." She also shared a moving account of visiting a church to light a candle, where she encountered another child named Elijah — a moment she described as a beautiful sign from God.

The 27-year-old attacker, posting separately, acknowledged the pain his family is enduring. "This is an incredibly difficult time for our family. We kindly ask for our privacy and space," he wrote, thanking supporters for their understanding.

Despite the personal tragedy unfolding off the pitch, Gakpo has featured in all three of the Netherlands' group stage matches, scoring twice — including a goal against Sweden — as the Dutch advanced to the knockout rounds. The Netherlands face Morocco in the last 32 on Tuesday.

Gakpo is a popular figure among Ghanaian football fans, who have closely followed his career since his rise to prominence at PSV Eindhoven and his subsequent move to Liverpool. The Ghanaian football community and Black Stars supporters have joined the global outpouring of sympathy for the Gakpo family during this difficult period.