Liverpool and Netherlands forward Cody Gakpo and his partner have shared the devastating news of the loss of their unborn son, announcing the tragedy in an emotional social media post that has drawn an outpouring of support from the football community.
The announcement was made through an Instagram Story posted by Gakpo’s partner, Noa van der Bij, alongside a touching black-and-white photograph showing the couple’s hands resting gently on their baby, who was wrapped in a blanket and wearing a knitted cap.
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In the statement, the couple revealed that their baby boy died during pregnancy. “With broken hearts, we share the devastating news that our baby boy passed away during pregnancy,” the statement read. “Thank you for your love and support.”
The grieving parents also revealed the name they had chosen for their son: “Elijah Raphael Gakpo. Forever loved. Forever our son.”
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The brief but deeply personal message has resonated with fans around the world, many of whom have flooded social media with sympathy, prayers, and support for the couple during one of the most difficult moments of their lives.
![(CREDIT: Noavdbij on IG]](https://i0.wp.com/media.premiumtimesng.com/wp-content/files/2026/06/1003491785.jpg?resize=1080%2C1920&ssl=1)
The photograph accompanying the announcement captured the profound sense of loss, with the tiny knitted cap and wrapped baby serving as a poignant tribute to Elijah Raphael Gakpo.
Neither Gakpo nor his partner disclosed further details surrounding the pregnancy or the circumstances of the loss, choosing instead to keep the message focused on honouring their son and thanking well-wishers for their support.
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The tragedy comes during what has otherwise been a significant period in Gakpo’s career. The Dutch international has continued to establish himself as one of Liverpool’s key attacking players while remaining an important figure for the Netherlands national team, which is currently participating in the ongoing FIFA World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
News of the couple’s loss has prompted an overwhelming wave of compassion from teammates, supporters, and members of the wider football family, highlighting the unity that often transcends the game in moments of personal grief.
“Our thoughts are with you, Cody and family,” read a post on Instagram by the Netherlands national team’s official page, in collaboration with the account of Gakpo’s club, Liverpool FC.
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