Liverpool star Cody Gakpo left heartbroken as baby son dies during pregnancy
Cody Gakpo's partner Noa van der Bij has confirmed that their son, Elijah, has died during pregnancy. The Liverpool forward and his girlfriend were expecting their second son and confirmed the news in May.The 27-year-old is currently at the World Cup on international duty with Holland while his girlfriend, Noa, is in the United States to support the Reds attacker. In May, the two shared a heart-warming Instagram post that they were expecting a second child due in October, after their son Samuel was born in 2024.However, in two Instagram stories on Saturday, Van der Bij revealed that the couple had suffered a miscarriage. Noa posted a picture of the two holding hands over a blanket and a knitted hat, along with the caption: "With broken hearts, we share the devastating news that our baby boy passed away during pregnancy. Thank you for your love and support. Elijah Raphael Gakpo Forever loved. Forever our son."In a follow-up story, she posted a picture of a lit candle in a church with the caption: "We went to church to light a candle. Afterward, we walked to the church playground with our son Samuel. There was only one other child there. His name was Elijah."There could not have been a more beautiful sign from God He reminded us that our little boy is never far away."It is unclear when the passing of their son occurred, as Gakpo's partner has posted to social media throughout the summer after Liverpool's season finished.She posted a carousel of pictures on Instagram at the beginning of June resting a drink on her bump before following up with snaps in Texas and during Oranje's World Cup opener against Japan.Dutch outlet De Telegraaf reported that Gakpo did not get off the team bus for training four days ago but was later brought by car. The Dutch football federation, KNVB, said at the time he was not late but there was a good reason for it.Liverpool supporters on social media rushed to support the forward and his partner following the devastating news. One account tweeted: "Sending our thoughts, love and condolences to Cody Gakpo and his family following the heartbreaking news of the loss of their baby boy. YNWA."The tweet, viewed over 213,000 times on X, saw condolences and expressions of support flood in the replies. Another user replied: "No words for this. Just so, so sorry for Cody and his family. This is the kind of pain that puts everything else into perspective."We’re with you, Cody. All the love in the world. Take all the time you need. YNWA."Holland are next in action on June 30 (3am BST) at the World Cup when they take on Morocco at the Monterrey Stadium in Mexico. The winner will face the victors of South Africa and co-host Canada in Houston, Texas on July 4 (6pm BST).Gakpo has two goals in the tournament so far as he looks to continue his form at international level with Ronald Koeman's side. The 27-year-old starred for Oranje at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and earned a move to Liverpool on the back of his performances.
