Netherlands and Liverpool star Cody Gakpo and his longtime partner, Noa van der Bij, announced the devastating loss of their unborn child during pregnancy. The couple shared the news on June 27, expressing their grief and requesting privacy.
Van der Bij posted on Instagram, stating, 'With broken hearts, we share the devastating news that our baby boy passed away during pregnancy.' She named the child Elijah Raphael Gakpo, writing, 'Forever loved. Forever our son.' The couple also has a two-year-old son, Samuel.
Gakpo, who is currently on World Cup duty with the Netherlands, reposted the announcement and asked for understanding and space. The timing of the miscarriage was not disclosed.
Van der Bij shared a personal moment of solace, noting that during a visit to a church playground, they encountered another child named Elijah, which she described as a 'beautiful sign from God.'
The couple had previously announced they were expecting their second son four weeks before the miscarriage. Dutch publication De Telegraaf reported that Gakpo arrived separately for training on June 19, with the Netherlands' football federation confirming there was a 'good reason' for his delayed arrival.