Gakpo’s heartbreak: Liverpool star’s private tragedy at World Cup

Cody Gakpo’s World Cup campaign began with a goal against Sweden, a moment of celebration that masked the private grief unfolding behind the scenes. While the Liverpool forward started all three of the Netherlands’ group games and scored twice with an assist in the 5-1 demolition of Sweden, his partner, Noa van der Bij, was enduring a heartbreak of her own. On Saturday, she shared the devastating news that their unborn son, Elijah Raphael Gakpo, had passed away during pregnancy. The couple, who announced their second child was due in October, asked for privacy as they processed their loss.

The weight of expectation on the pitch

Gakpo has been a revelation for the Netherlands at this World Cup, starting all three group games and scoring twice in the 5-1 demolition of Sweden. His performances have silenced early doubts about his Liverpool form, proving he remains a key figure for both club and country. Yet while he has been a focal point on the field, his focus off it has been elsewhere. Van der Bij’s announcement came just days before the Netherlands face Morocco in the last 32, a tie Gakpo will approach with added emotional complexity. The contrast between his public role and private sorrow underscores the dual pressures elite footballers carry—glory on the pitch, vulnerability off it.

Van der Bij’s posts painted a picture of quiet resilience. In one, she shared a photo of the couple holding hands over a blanket and knitted hat, a symbol of hope that had turned to sorrow. In another, she described visiting a church to light a candle, then walking to a playground where the only other child present was named Elijah. “There could not have been a more beautiful sign from God,” she wrote. “He reminded us that our little boy is never far away.” Gakpo, in his own message, described the situation as “an incredibly difficult time for our family” and requested space to grieve.

The human side of the World Cup

Football’s relentless calendar offers little respite for those navigating personal tragedy. While Gakpo was on international duty in Mexico, van der Bij was in the United States, where she posted updates as recently as early June, including a photo of herself with a drink resting on her bump. Dutch outlet De Telegraaf reported that Gakpo did not disembark from the team bus for training four days ago, though the KNVB later clarified he was not late but dealing with a “good reason.” The federation’s statement, though vague, hinted at the gravity of the situation.

This is not the first time a footballer has faced such heartbreak during a major tournament. The emotional toll of elite sport is often hidden behind the glamour of World Cups, where cameras capture goals and celebrations but rarely the quiet moments of despair. Gakpo’s situation lays bare the fragility of those who appear invincible on the pitch. His ability to step onto the field and deliver for his country, while his partner mourned in private, speaks to the compartmentalisation required of modern athletes. Yet it also raises questions about the support systems in place for players and their families during such crises.

Gakpo’s World Cup journey began with a 2-2 draw against Japan in Doha, a match where van der Bij was present in the stands. His second goal came in the 5-1 rout of Sweden, a performance that cemented his status as one of the tournament’s standout performers. Yet behind every celebration lay the shadow of loss, a reminder that even the most gifted athletes are not insulated from life’s harshest blows. The Netherlands’ progression to the knockout stages was secured with a 2-0 win over Tunisia, a result that sealed top spot in Group F.

The road ahead for Gakpo and the Netherlands

The Netherlands’ progression to the knockout stages was secured with a 2-0 win over Tunisia, a result that sealed top spot in Group F. Gakpo’s contributions—two goals and an assist in the tournament so far—have been pivotal, but his mind may not be fully on the task ahead. Morocco await in the last 32, a side capable of testing the Dutch with their physicality and counterattacking threat. How Gakpo processes his grief in the coming days will be closely watched, not just by fans but by those within the game who understand the pressures he faces.

For now, the focus remains on the match, but the human story behind the headlines cannot be ignored. Football will continue its relentless march, yet moments like these remind us that the players we celebrate are also husbands, fathers, and partners navigating life’s most painful chapters. Gakpo’s request for privacy is a rare glimpse into that reality.

As the Netherlands prepare to face Morocco, the world will watch Gakpo’s every touch, every run, every goal. But behind the scenes, he and van der Bij will be mourning a son they never got to hold. Their strength in sharing their pain publicly is a testament to their courage—and a reminder that even in the spotlight, footballers are human first.

Related coverage

Cody Gakpo’s World Cup redemption: from Liverpool flop to Dutch hero · Transfer news LIVE: Arsenal eye new Bruno Guimaraes bid, Man Utd agreement, £69m Liverpool move