Cody Gakpo and partner announce loss of baby son Elijah during World Cup

Cody Gakpo and his partner Noa van der Bij have announced the devastating loss of their baby boy during pregnancy, with the Liverpool winger currently representing the Netherlands at the World Cup. The couple named their son Elijah Raphael Gakpo.

Van der Bij shared the news on Instagram. “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.”

Gakpo had revealed at the end of May that the couple were expecting their second child. Van der Bij was present in the stands for the Netherlands’ opening World Cup fixture against Japan two weeks ago, a match that ended 2-2.

In a further post, Van der Bij described a moment of comfort the family found after the loss. “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.”

Despite the personal tragedy unfolding off the pitch, the 27-year-old has been one of the standout performers of the tournament for Ronald Koeman’s side. Gakpo started all three of the Netherlands’ group games and contributed two goals and an assist in their 5-1 victory over Sweden, helping the nation advance from Group F as winners.

He is expected to retain his place in the starting lineup when the Netherlands face Morocco in their round of 32 match on Tuesday.