Netherlands teammates rally around Cody Gakpo after tragic loss of his unborn son

Cody Gakpo and Noa van der Biel suffer heartbreaking stillbirth

According to Главком: Liverpool and Netherlands forward Cody Gakpo, 27, and his partner Noa van der Biel have announced the devastating loss of their unborn son. The baby boy, who was due in October and was to be named Elijah Raphael Gakpo, did not survive. Noa van der Biel shared the tragic news on her Instagram Stories, describing this as an incredibly difficult time for their family. She also asked for privacy and space for herself and Cody as they grieve.

The couple already have a young son named Samuel. Reflecting on a poignant moment, Noa recalled how the family visited a church to light a candle. 'After that, we went to the churchyard with our eldest son Samuel. There was only one other child there. His name was Elijah. It couldn't have been a more beautiful sign from God. It reminded us that our little boy is never far away,' she shared.

Career continues amid family support

Despite the personal tragedy, Gakpo has chosen to remain with the Dutch national team for the 2026 World Cup. He made this decision after consulting with his partner. The Royal Dutch Football Association confirmed it was aware of the situation. During the group stage, Gakpo started in all three matches and even scored a brace in a winning performance against Sweden. In the Round of 32, the Netherlands are set to face Morocco.

'This is an incredibly difficult time for our family. We sincerely ask for privacy and space for us. Thank you for your understanding,' said Cody Gakpo.

The loss of an unborn child is a deeply personal and painful experience for any family, and the openness shown by Cody Gakpo and Noa van der Biel may offer comfort to others enduring similar tragedies. The couple continues to support each other through this challenging period while maintaining their professional focus on the tournament-a testament to their resilience and determination. This event not only highlights the personal life of the athlete but also underscores the importance of family support during times of trial.