Liverpool star Cody Gakpo's partner has announced the sad death of their second child, with Noa van der Bij sharing the news in an emotional post on social media
17:43, 27 Jun 2026Updated 18:02, 27 Jun 2026
Cody Gakpo of the Netherlands during the 2026 World Cup at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, United States, on June 25, 2026. (Photo by Stefan Koops/EYE4IMAGES/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Cody Gakpo's girlfriend has announced that the couple have lost their second child during pregnancy(Image: Getty Images)
Liverpool star Cody Gakpo's girlfriend has announced that the couple has lost their second child during pregnancy.
Gakpo is currently away at the World Cup with the Netherlands, having helped his country through to the knockout stages. He scored twice in a 5-1 win over Sweden before starting the 3-1 victory over Tunisia which confirmed the Dutch topped Group F.
His partner, Noa van der Bij, had followed him to the tournament to show her support, with the couple having announced they were expecting a second child just last month, having welcomed their first back in 2024.
Van der Bij posted a picture to her story on Saturday though announcing that she and Gakpo had lost their baby during pregnancy, with the couple having named the boy Elijah Raphael Gakpo.
"With broken hearts, we share the devastating news that our baby boy passed away during pregnancy," Van der Bij wrote, sharing a picture of her and Gakpo's hands together.
"Thank you for your love and support." Underneath Elijah's name was also the message: "Forever loved. Forever our son."
Gakpo's girlfriend shared the sad news on her Instagram story
Gakpo's girlfriend shared the sad news on her Instagram story(Image: Instagram/noavdbij)
Van der Bij shared another picture showing a sole candle alight in a church, writing: "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."
Gakpo is scheduled to play for the Netherlands on June 30, when the Dutch will face Morocco in Monterrey for a place in the last-16 of the World Cup.
Noa van der Bij announced that she and Cody Gakpo had named their son Elijah
Noa van der Bij announced that she and Cody Gakpo had named their son Elijah(Image: Instagram/noavdbij)
The 27-year-old has started all of his country's games at the tournament so far, and has played a big role after bagging two goals and an assist against Sweden to continue his fine form at international tournaments.
Article continues below
“It’s a little bit different,” Gakpo said when explaining his performance against Sweden after a difficult season at Liverpool.
“How I play here, where the coach wants me to be, the freedom that I have at the club,” he said, before trailing off as if he’d said too much. “That’s it basically.”
Liverpool.com says: It goes without saying, but all our thoughts are with Gakpo and his partner as this difficult time. Hopefully both will be given the time and help needed to get through what is such a heartbreaking moment.