If you were watching the 2026 FIFA World Cup, you probably noticed a massive wave of emotion surrounding the Dutch squad. It wasn’t just about the usual tournament pressure. A lot of fans have been searching to find out exactly what happened to Cody Gakpo, and the reality behind the headlines is deeply heartbreaking.

Away from his role as a forward for Liverpool and the Gakpo Netherlands squad, the 27-year-old has been dealing with an incredibly heavy personal tragedy.

Why Did Cody Gakpo’s World Cup Campaign Turn into a Tragedy?

Right as the knockout stages were getting underway, devastating Cody Gakpo news broke away from the pitch. Cody Gakpo and his long-term partner, Noa van der Bij, shared that they had lost their unborn son, Elijah Raphael Gakpo, late in the pregnancy.

It is so sad for the Gakpo family, mainly since they had just shared their joy about the coming of a new family member this May. Noa had even been with the Netherlands Gakpo squad during the group matches to offer her support. When they shared a picture of holding hands over a small knitted baby hat, it made us see the whole thing.

Even though he was grieving the unimaginable loss of his son Gakpo, after discussion with his family and manager Ronald Koeman, Gakpo decided to remain with the team.

How Did Gakpo Handle Playing Through Deep Grief?

It’s hard to fathom how anyone finds the strength to stand under stadium lights in front of millions of people while grieving. But what C Gakpo did during the Round of 32 match against Morocco completely stunned everyone watching.

In the 72nd minute, with the game deadlocked, he fought for a loose ball, collided with the goalkeeper, and managed to score. There was no big, triumphant celebration. Instead, he just dropped straight to his knees and buried his face in the grass, completely overcome. His teammates didn’t just celebrate the goal; they swarmed him to hold him up. When he finally stood up, he was in tears, pointing to the sky to dedicate the moment to his baby boy.

Morocco ended up winning the match on penalties, but the final score didn’t really seem to matter as much after that. The image of a grieving father giving everything he had on the pitch is what stayed with everyone.

What is Next for the Gakpo Family?

With the Netherlands out of the tournament, football completely takes a back seat. The Gakpo, his partner and his family are finally getting some time away from the cameras. Both Gakpo and Noa have asked for privacy so they can just process this loss as a family.

Noa recently shared a comforting moment from a church visit with their toddler, Samuel. She noticed the only other kid at the playground was a little boy named Elijah, a small, bittersweet reminder that their son is still with them in spirit.

Cody Gakpo showed the world a level of vulnerability and strength that goes way beyond sports, reminding us all that players are human beings first.