Noa van der Bij has announced that her and Netherlands forward Cody Gakpo’s unborn son, named Elijah Raphael Gakpo, died during pregnancy. The couple have shared intimate moments of grief and faith, asked for privacy, and Gakpo is expected to remain with the Dutch squad as they prepare for the World Cup round of 32 against Morocco.
Cody Gakpo and Noa van der Bij announce heartbreaking miscarriage
Noa van der Bij revealed on social media that her unborn baby boy passed away during pregnancy. The couple said they had named him Elijah Raphael Gakpo and described the loss with quiet, personal details that made the announcement deeply human and immediate.
What they shared publicly
Van der Bij posted a photo of herself and Gakpo holding hands over a small knitted hat. She described lighting a candle in church and a consoling encounter at a playground where they met a boy named Elijah — a moment she framed as a meaningful sign. Gakpo issued a brief statement asking for privacy as the family grieves.
Timing and tournament implications
The tragedy comes during the Netherlands’ FIFA World Cup campaign. Reports indicate Gakpo is expected to remain with the national squad and could feature in the upcoming round of 32 match against Morocco. The decision to stay with the team underlines the complex balance between personal grief and professional duty at elite level sport.
What this means for the Netherlands squad
Teams are increasingly prepared to support players through off-field crises, but the emotional toll is undeniable. For the Netherlands, retaining Gakpo keeps a key attacking option available, yet also requires sensitive management from staff to protect his well-being and performance. How the coaching team handles support could set the tone for the squad’s unity and focus.
Context: athletes, grief and public scrutiny
High-profile athletes face intense public attention that compounds private sorrow. Gakpo’s request for privacy is a reminder of boundaries often needed when personal tragedies intersect with major sporting events. The modern sports environment must balance transparency and compassion — fans and media alike have a role in honoring that line.
What could happen next
In the immediate term, the Dutch medical and psychological staff will likely offer support while the coaching team assesses Gakpo’s readiness to play. The broader narrative will focus on how elite teams accommodate players through difficult personal periods without disrupting team preparation — a test of professionalism and humanity.
Why this matters beyond the pitch
This story resonates because it exposes the human costs behind the spectacle of international tournaments. For supporters and peers, it’s an urgent call to treat athletes as people first.
For Gakpo and van der Bij, the public response will be measured not by headlines but by the respect and privacy they receive during a profoundly private loss.
Mirror
