AMSTERDAM — In a heartbreaking intersection of private tragedy and high-stakes public life, Dutch international soccer star Cody Gakpo and his long-term partner, Noa van der Bij, have announced the devastating loss of their unborn second child. The announcement, made on June 27, 2026, has cast a somber shadow over the Netherlands’ campaign in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Despite the profound personal grief, Gakpo, 27, has chosen to remain with the national squad as they navigate the tournament’s knockout stages. The decision, made in close consultation with his partner and team officials, underscores the complex emotional and professional realities faced by modern elite athletes.
1. Main Facts: A Family’s Sudden Grief
On Saturday, June 27, 2026, Cody Gakpo and Noa van der Bij shared via their respective social media platforms that their baby boy, whom they named Elijah Raphael Gakpo, had passed away during pregnancy. The couple, who have been together for several years, were expecting their second child later this year. They are already parents to a 14-month-old son, Samuël Seth, born in the spring of 2025.
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| KEY INFOGRAPHIC |
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| • Parents: Cody Gakpo (27) & Noa van der Bij (27) |
| • First Child: Samuël Seth Gakpo (14 months old) |
| • Deceased Infant: Elijah Raphael Gakpo |
| • Date of Announcement: June 27, 2026 |
| • Current Event: 2026 FIFA World Cup |
| • Upcoming Match: Netherlands vs. Morocco (June 29, 2026) |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------+The news was received with a wave of sympathy from across the international footballing community, including Gakpo’s club team, Liverpool FC, and his colleagues in the Dutch national team (the Oranje). The Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB) quickly issued a statement expressing solidarity with the family while confirming that Gakpo would remain with the team for their upcoming match against Morocco on June 29, 2026.
2. Chronology: From Joy to Devastation
The timeline of the couple’s journey over the past month illustrates the rapid transition from immense family joy to sudden, profound loss, all taking place against the backdrop of one of the world’s most demanding sporting events.
May 30, 2026: The Pregnancy Announcement
The couple publicly shared the news of their second pregnancy on May 30, 2026. Taking to Instagram, they posted a family portrait featuring their 14-month-old son, Samuël Seth, wearing a cap embroidered with the words "Big Brother." The post was met with congratulations from fans, teammates, and media outlets worldwide, marking a joyful start to what was expected to be a momentous summer for the young family.
June 2026: The World Cup Campaign Begins
As June commenced, Gakpo shifted his focus to national duty, representing the Netherlands in the 2026 World Cup. As a crucial forward for the Dutch side, Gakpo faced intense media scrutiny and physical demands as the team advanced through the group stages. Throughout this period, Noa and Samuël were his primary support system, balancing the pressures of the tournament with the anticipation of their expanding family.
June 27, 2026: The Public Announcement of Loss
On the evening of June 27, the couple broke the news of their loss. Gakpo posted a brief, dignified message on his Instagram Story:
"This is an incredibly difficult time for our family. We kindly ask for privacy and space. Thank you for understanding."
Simultaneously, Noa van der Bij shared a deeply personal tribute to their late son, revealing his name and expressing her grief:
"With broken hearts, we share the devastating news that our baby boy passed away during pregnancy. Thank you for your love and support. Elijah Raphael Gakpo. Forever loved. Forever our son."
June 28, 2026: A Moment of Spiritual Solace
The day after the announcement, Noa shared a poignant update with her followers. Seeking solace, she visited a local church to light a candle in memory of Elijah. Following the visit, she experienced what she described as a comforting, spiritual sign.
While walking to the church’s adjacent playground with their toddler, Samuël, they encountered only one other child. Upon learning the other child’s name, Noa was struck by the coincidence:
"Afterward, we walked to the church playground with our son Samuël. 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."
June 29, 2026: Returning to the Pitch
Just 48 hours after sharing their loss with the world, Gakpo was scheduled to take the field for the Netherlands in a critical World Cup match against Morocco.
3. Supporting Data: The Prevalence and Silence Surrounding Pregnancy Loss
The tragedy experienced by Gakpo and van der Bij is one shared by millions of families worldwide, though it remains a topic infrequently discussed in the public eye, particularly within the hyper-masculine environment of professional sports.
Statistical Context of Pregnancy Loss
According to data from the World Health Organization (WHO) and global health registries:
- Miscarriage: Approximately 10% to 15% of known pregnancies end in miscarriage, most commonly in the first trimester.
- Stillbirth: Stillbirth—defined generally as the loss of a baby after 20 to 28 weeks of pregnancy, depending on regional medical standards—affects roughly 1 in 160 deliveries in high-income countries.
- Mental Health Impact: Studies indicate that up to 55% of women and associated partners experience clinically significant anxiety, and up to 25% experience depression, in the wake of a pregnancy loss.
By choosing to name their son, Elijah Raphael, and speak openly about their heartbreak, Gakpo and van der Bij join a growing number of public figures who are challenging the historical stigma surrounding pregnancy loss and neonatal death.
4. Official Responses: Support from the Sporting Community
The response from the football community was immediate, characterized by a respectful protective barrier erected around the player and his family.
Statement from the Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB)
The KNVB released an official statement via People magazine, expressing their condolences and detailing how the team management is handling the situation:
"First and foremost, our thoughts are with Cody and his family, Noa and their son Samuel. This is a very sad, private situation. We were, of course, already aware of what had happened, and we are supporting the family wherever we can. After discussing the situation with his partner, Cody has decided to remain with the team."
Team Unity and Management Discretion
Under the leadership of the national team’s coaching staff, the Dutch camp has reportedly adapted its daily routines to allow Gakpo the space and time needed to communicate with his family back home. Team sources indicate that Gakpo’s teammates have rallied around him, offering quiet solidarity rather than public commentary, respecting the family’s explicit request for privacy.
5. Implications: Grief, Professional Sports, and Public Platforms
Gakpo’s decision to continue playing during the World Cup highlights the profound emotional tightrope that professional athletes must walk when personal tragedy strikes during major tournaments.
The Psychology of Playing Through Grief
Sports psychologists point out that athletes respond to grief in highly individualized ways. For some, the structure, routine, and physical outlet of training and match play offer a temporary sanctuary—a place where they can focus entirely on a tangible goal amid emotional chaos. For others, the pressure to perform can compound the trauma.
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| COPING MECHANISMS FOR ATHLETES IN GRIEF |
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| 1. Routine as Sanctuary: The pitch offers a familiar, controlled |
| environment away from personal trauma. |
| 2. Physical Outlet: High-intensity exercise can help manage cortisol |
| and adrenaline spikes caused by emotional distress. |
| 3. Peer Support: The locker room provides a built-in community of |
| trusted peers and support staff. |
| 4. Dedication of Performance: Athletes often find motivation by |
| dedicating their efforts to the memory of their lost loved ones. |
+----------------------------------------------------------------------+Historically, athletes were expected to suppress personal struggles under a "show must go on" mentality. However, the modern sporting landscape increasingly recognizes the importance of mental health support. The KNVB’s active involvement and public validation of Gakpo’s family situation demonstrate a shift toward more compassionate player management.
Breaking the Silence on Neonatal Loss
When high-profile figures like Gakpo and van der Bij share their experiences of pregnancy loss, it has a measurable impact on public discourse. It validates the grief of millions of non-public families who suffer similar losses in silence.
By sharing the spiritual comfort they found in the name "Elijah," the couple has offered a raw, authentic look at the grieving process, proving that even amidst the glamour of the World Cup, human vulnerability remains universal.
Basiran
Laily UPN
Lina Irawan
