Heartbroken Cody Gakpo’s child son dies throughout being pregnant as Liverpool star ‘devastated’
Cody Gakpo’s partner Noa van der Bij has confirmed that their son, Elijah, has died during pregnancy as the couple were expecting their second child in October
Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo has called for privacy as family endures an “incredibly difficult time”(Image: Getty Images)
Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo has asked for privacy as his family endure ‘an incredibly difficult time’ after his partner suffered a miscarriage. The Netherlands international’s girlfriend shared the devastating news on Saturday that their son, Elijah, tragically passed away during pregnancy.
The couple announced in May that they were expecting a second child, joining their first-born son, Samuel, due in October. The 27-year-old Premier League-winner is currently on international duty at the World Cup with Holland, while Noa is in the United States supporting the Reds forward.
However, in a series of Instagram stories on Saturday, Noa disclosed that the couple had suffered a miscarriage. She posted a picture of the two holding hands over a blanket and a knitted hat, with a statement that read: “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.”
She posted another story of a candle lit in a church, where she said: “We went to church to light a candle. Afterward, we walked to the church playground with our son Samuel. 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.”
The Liverpool forward shared the story to his own profile and called for privacy, describing the period as “an incredible difficult time”. He wrote: “This is an incredibly difficult time for our family. We kindly ask for privacy and space. Thank you for understanding.”
The exact timing of their son’s passing remains unclear, as Gakpo’s partner has continued to post on social media throughout the summer after Liverpool’s season concluded. She shared a series of photos on Instagram at the start of June, resting a drink on her bump, followed by snaps taken in Texas and during Oranje’s World Cup opener against Japan.
Dutch publication De Telegraaf reported that Gakpo did not disembark the team bus for training four days ago but was subsequently transported by car. The Dutch football federation, KNVB, stated at the time he was not late but there was a valid reason for it.
Liverpool fans on social media quickly rallied to support the attacker and his partner following the heartbreaking news. One account posted: “Sending our thoughts, love and condolences to Cody Gakpo and his family following the heartbreaking news of the loss of their baby boy. YNWA.”
The post, seen over 213,000 times on X, attracted an outpouring of sympathy and messages of support in the responses. Another user commented: “No words for this. Just so, so sorry for Cody and his family. This is the kind of pain that puts everything else into perspective.
“We’re with you, Cody. All the love in the world. Take all the time you need. YNWA.”
Holland are next in action on June 30 (3am BST) at the World Cup when they face Morocco at the Monterrey Stadium in Mexico. The victors will meet the winners of South Africa and co-host Canada in Houston, Texas on July 4 (6pm BST).
Gakpo has netted twice in the competition thus far as he aims to maintain his international form with Ronald Koeman’s squad. The 27-year-old shone for Oranje at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and secured a transfer to Liverpool following his exploits.
