Overview
- The couple announced the loss on Saturday via Instagram and said they had named the baby Elijah Raphael.
- Gakpo reposted the message and asked for privacy, calling the moment “incredibly difficult” for his family.
- The Royal Dutch Football Association and Liverpool issued condolences and said, by mutual agreement with his partner, Gakpo will remain with the Netherlands squad.
- It is unclear whether he will play against Morocco in the Round of 16 on June 29, and the national team says it will respect any decision he makes.
- Gakpo has been a key starter for the Netherlands at this World Cup, scoring twice vs Sweden, which has focused public attention on how teams handle player welfare during major tournaments.