Liverpool winger Cody Gakpo's personal life has been hit with devastating news as his partner Noa van der Bij has suffered a miscarriage. The couple, who are expecting their second child, had revealed the pregnancy at the end of May. Van der Bij shared the heartbreaking news on Instagram, expressing her gratitude for the love and support of fans.
The couple's baby boy, Elijah, was due to arrive soon, but tragically, he did not survive. Van der Bij penned a heartfelt message, thanking fans for their well-wishes and expressing her faith that Elijah's memory will live on. She wrote, 'Elijah Raphael Gakpo. Forever loved. Forever our son.'
Gakpo has been instrumental in the Netherlands' World Cup campaign, scoring two goals and providing an assist in their 5-1 win over Sweden. The 27-year-old has started all three of the Netherlands' group games and will be expected to keep his place in their round of 32 match against Morocco on Tuesday. Gakpo's focus will undoubtedly be on the World Cup, but he will undoubtedly be thinking of his partner and their unborn child during this difficult time.
The news of Gakpo's personal tragedy has sent shockwaves through the football community, with fans and fellow players offering their condolences to the couple. As Gakpo continues to play for the Netherlands, he will be carrying the weight of his personal loss on his shoulders, but he is expected to remain focused on the task at hand – helping his country progress in the World Cup.
Van der Bij's Instagram post has been met with an outpouring of support from fans, with many expressing their condolences and sharing their own stories of loss. The couple's bravery in sharing their story is a testament to their strength and resilience in the face of adversity.