Overview
- Noa van der Bij posted on Instagram on Saturday that their unborn son, to be named Elijah Raphael Gakpo, 'passed away during pregnancy' and wrote that he is 'Forever loved.'
- Cody Gakpo asked for privacy in a social post describing the period as an 'incredibly difficult time' for his family and has decided to remain with the Netherlands team.
- The Dutch FA (KNVB) confirmed it was aware of the situation, said it is supporting the family, and added the decision for Gakpo to stay with the squad was made in consultation with his partner.
- Reports say the timing of the pregnancy loss has not been made public and Dutch outlet De Telegraaf noted Gakpo briefly did not disembark the team bus before training four days earlier, which the KNVB said had a valid personal reason.
- The couple announced the pregnancy on May 30 with a baby due in October and fans and teammates have sent widespread condolences as the Netherlands prepare to play Morocco in their next World Cup match on June 30.