Cody Gakpo’s Wife Announces Loss of Unborn Son Amid World Cup Participation
Cody Gakpo, the Dutch footballer representing the Netherlands at the FIFA World Cup, is reportedly grappling with personal tragedy as his wife, Noa van der Bij, shared news of the loss of their unborn son on social media. The announcement, made via Instagram posts, described the couple’s “heartbreaking” experience and included a photo of their hands clasped over their newborn son, Elijah Raphael Gakpo.
Van der Bij, who has been open about her family’s journey, wrote, “It is with a broken heart that we announce our little boy has passed away during the pregnancy.” She later shared a message expressing gratitude for support, stating, “Elijah Raphael Gakpo, loved forever, our son forever.” The couple, who have a son named Samuel born in 2024, had recently announced their second pregnancy.
The couple’s Instagram posts also referenced a symbolic moment: “We went to church together and lit a candle. Then we went to the park with our son Samuel. There was another little boy there named Elijah. There was no more beautiful sign from God.” The reference to the name Elijah, shared by both their unborn son and a stranger’s child, was highlighted as a “sign” by van der Bij.
World Cup Context and Gakpo’s Role
Gakpo is currently in Kansas City with the Netherlands team as they prepare for the FIFA World Cup. The Netherlands qualified as group winners and are set to face Morocco in the Round of 16 on July 30 at 3:00 AM CET. The team’s focus remains on the tournament, though the personal loss faced by Gakpo and his wife has drawn attention amid their international commitments.
While the Netherlands Football Association has not issued a public statement on the matter, Gakpo’s participation in the World Cup underscores the challenges athletes face in balancing professional responsibilities with personal adversity. The timing of the announcement, during a high-stakes tournament, has amplified the emotional weight of the couple’s experience.
Public Reaction and Support
Fans and fellow athletes have expressed condolences on social media, with many sharing messages of support for Gakpo and van der Bij. The couple’s decision to share their story publicly has been noted as a gesture of openness, though details about their private life remain limited.
As the Netherlands advance in the World Cup, the focus will likely remain on the team’s performance, but the personal journey of Gakpo and his family highlights the human stories behind global sporting events. The couple’s experience also underscores the broader conversation about grief, public vulnerability
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