Cody Gakpo and Partner Noa van der Bij Request Privacy Following Tragic Loss of Unborn Son

Netherlands and Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo has appealed for privacy following the heartbreaking loss of his unborn son, Elijah Raphael Gakpo. The news, which has drawn an outpouring of support from the football community, comes at a deeply personal time for the athlete and his partner, Noa van der Bij. The couple, who were expecting their second child this month, shared the tragic update through a poignant social media post, marking a period of profound mourning amidst Gakpo's high-profile professional career.

Noa van der Bij confirmed the tragedy via social media, expressing the couple's immense heartache while also thanking well-wishers for their messages of comfort and solidarity. The unborn child, named Elijah Raphael, was due to be born in October 2023. In their shared grief, the couple revealed they have sought solace in their faith, sharing moments from their grieving process including visits to their church. Their public statement emphasized the need for space and peace as they navigate this difficult chapter, highlighting the human reality that exists behind the celebrity status of international sports figures.

Despite the immense personal tragedy, Gakpo remains a key figure for the Netherlands national team during their international campaign. The forward has been an active participant for the Dutch squad, which is preparing for a significant knockout stage match against Morocco. While the professional demands of elite football continue, the focus for Gakpo and his family remains on healing and reflection. The footballing world continues to offer its condolences, respecting the couple's wish for solitude as they honor the memory of their son and support one another through this period of bereavement.