Cody Gakpo's partner has announced the death of their unborn son
Cody Gakpo's partner has announced the death of their unborn son (Image: Getty Images)
Cody Gakpo's partner Noa van der Bij has announced the heartbreaking news that their son, Elijah, has died during pregnancy. The Liverpool forward and his girlfriend had been expecting their second son together, sharing the joyful news back in May. Gakpo is currently representing the Netherlands at the World Cup, while Van der Bij has travelled to the United States to support the Reds attacker.
In May, the couple shared a touching Instagram post announcing they were expecting a second child, due in October, following the birth of their son Samuel in 2024. In a series of Instagram stories posted on Saturday, however, Van der Bij revealed the couple had suffered a devastating miscarriage.
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The statement 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.
"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 precise timing of their son's death remains unclear, as Gakpo's partner had been regularly active on social media throughout the summer after Liverpool's season ended.
She shared a carousel of photographs on Instagram in early June, resting a drink on her bump, before posting further pictures from Texas during the World Cup.
Dutch publication De Telegraaf reported that Gakpo did not get off the team bus for training four days ago, before being transported separately by car.
Gakpo has scored twice for the Netherlands at this summer's World Cup
Gakpo has scored twice for the Netherlands at this summer's World Cup (Image: Getty)
At the time, the Dutch football association (KNVB) said he was not late but there was a valid explanation for it.
Liverpool fans on social media were quick to rally behind the forward and his partner after the tragic news emerged.
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, which has been viewed more than 213,000 times on X (formerly Twitter), prompted an outpouring of sympathy and messages of solidarity in the responses.
Another user wrote: "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."
Gakpo has scored twice at the World Cup thus far as he seeks to maintain his impressive international record under Ronald Koeman's guidance.