...
By Megan Armstrong
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
Netherlands and Liverpool star left winger Cody Gakpo should be having the time of his life, appearing in his second World Cup this summer, but there's always more than meets the eye.
Gakpo and Noa van der Bij, his longtime partner, jointly announced heartbreaking personal news on Saturday, June 27.
"With broken hearts, we share the devastating news that our baby boy passed away during pregnancy," van der Bij posted to her Instagram Story, along with a photo of hers and Gakpo's hands over the baby. "Thank you for your love and support."
Read More on Sports
Van der Bij disclosed that the child's name is Elijah Raphael Gakpo, writing, "Forever loved. Forever our son."
Van der Bij also shared that she, Gakpo, and their two-year-old son, Samuel, "walked to the church playground" and the only other child there 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 reposted the photo to his Instagram Story and wrote: "This is an incredibly difficult time for our family. We kindly ask for privacy and space. Thank you for your understanding."
...
The couple did not share when the miscarriage occurred.
Last Friday, June 19, Van der Bij posted an Instagram carousel showing photos of her and Samuel supporting Gakpo at this World Cup, both at training and at the Netherlands' opening draw against Japan on June 14.
Gakpo scored a brace in the Netherlands' 5-1 win over Sweden in their second Group F match on June 20. The Netherlands then defeated Tunisia on June 25 to win Group F and notch a place in the knockout stage. The Oranje will face Morocco in the Round of 32 on Monday, June 29.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines