Netherlands and Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo and his partner, Noa van der Bij, have announced the loss of their unborn son and appealed for privacy as they grieve.
Van der Bij shared the news in an emotional post on Instagram on Saturday, alongside a photo of the couple holding hands over a blanket and a knitted hat.
She wrote: “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 separate post, she shared a picture of a candle and a cross, describing a visit to church with the couple’s son, Samuel.
Van der Bij stated: “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.”
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On his part, Gakpo, who is on World Cup duty, wrote: “This is an incredibly difficult time for our family.
“We kindly ask for our privacy and space. Thank you for your understanding.”
Gakpo, 27, has started all three of the Netherlands’ games in the United States, scoring twice.
The Dutch Football Association, in a statement, said he would be remaining at the team’s World Cup camp in Kansas City.
The association stated: “We are supporting the family wherever we can.
“After discussing the situation with his partner, Cody has decided to remain with the team.
“We respect their privacy and will therefore not comment further on the situation.”
Ronald Koeman’s men, who topped their World Cup group, face Morocco in the last 32 in Mexico on Monday.
