Netherlands and Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo is navigating a period of profound personal loss during the 2026 World Cup, having confirmed the death of his unborn son, Elijah Raphael Gakpo. The 27-year-old remains with the Dutch national team following the tragedy, choosing to balance his professional commitment to the tournament with the devastating reality of his family's grief.
The announcement was made via social media over the weekend, sending a wave of sympathy across the footballing world. Gakpo, who is already a father to one-year-old Samuël with his partner, Noa van der Bij, shared the news and requested privacy. While the international stage demands absolute focus, the Liverpool FC forward has been met with widespread support from both the Royal Dutch Football Association and the wider football community as he balances elite competition with the aftermath of his family's trauma.
