Overview
- Gakpo and his partner Noa van der Bij announced the death of their unborn son in a social post last weekend and the couple asked for privacy.
- The Dutch FA, coach Ronald Koeman and captain Virgil van Dijk offered support and the option of compassionate leave, and Gakpo chose to remain with the national squad.
- In the World Cup round-of-32 match in Monterrey, Gakpo opened the scoring in the 72nd minute and was visibly overcome with emotion as teammates quickly surrounded and consoled him.
- Morocco equalised in stoppage time, the game went to extra time and Morocco won the penalty shootout, eliminating the Netherlands from the tournament.
- The episode has focused attention on player welfare at major tournaments and on Gakpo’s personal welfare and club future as the family seeks privacy and the KNVB says it will continue to support them.