Gakpo scores through tears days after death of unborn son at World Cup

Cody Gakpo scored one of the most emotionally charged goals in recent World Cup memory on Monday, finding the net for the Netherlands against Morocco in the round of 32 just two days after announcing the death of his unborn son.

In the 72nd minute, the 27-year-old forward chased down a ball along the edge of the box and, in the act of colliding with Moroccan goalkeeper Bono, managed to squeeze a shot between a defender’s legs and the keeper’s to open the scoring. Several Netherlands teammates immediately ran to embrace him, and Gakpo appeared to be fighting back tears during the celebration.

On Saturday, Gakpo and his partner Noa van der Bij shared the news that their unborn son, Elijay Raphael Gakpo, had passed away. Van der Bij posted a photograph on social media of the couple holding hands over a blanket and a small knitted hat. “Thank you for your love and support. Elijay Raphael Gakpo. Forever loved. Forever our son,” she wrote. The baby had been expected in October and would have been the couple’s second child.

In a separate post, Van der Bij described a visit to church in the aftermath of 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.”

Gakpo asked for privacy in his own statement. “This is an incredibly difficult time for our family. We kindly ask for our privacy and space. Thank you for your understanding,” he wrote.

The goal was Gakpo’s sixth in World Cup football, moving him to within one of Johnny Rep’s all-time record for the most World Cup goals scored by a Netherlands player. It was also his 24th international goal in 54 caps for the national side. He had already scored twice in the group stage, both in the Netherlands’ win over Sweden.