Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo is expected to feature for the Netherlands in their FIFA World Cup Round of 32 clash against Morocco despite enduring a devastating personal tragedy. The Dutch international has chosen to remain with the national team after his partner, Noa van der Bij, revealed that the couple had lost their unborn son during pregnancy.

The heartbreaking news emerged on Saturday when Noa shared an emotional statement on social media announcing that their baby boy, Elijah Raphael Gakpo, had passed away before birth. The couple had previously announced in May that they were expecting their second child together, with the baby due to arrive in October. Instead of preparing to welcome a new addition to their family, they are now mourning an unimaginable loss while caring for their young son, Samuel.

The announcement prompted an outpouring of sympathy from football fans, teammates, clubs, and players across the world. Messages of support flooded social media as supporters expressed their condolences and offered words of encouragement to Gakpo, Noa, and their families during one of the most difficult moments of their lives.

Despite the emotional circumstances, Gakpo has informed Netherlands head coach Ronald Koeman that he wishes to remain with the squad and make himself available for Tuesday’s crucial World Cup encounter against Morocco at Estadio Monterrey. The Liverpool attacker believes continuing with the national team is the right decision, choosing to stay focused on football while receiving the support of his teammates and coaching staff.

The Netherlands captain and Gakpo’s Liverpool teammate, Virgil van Dijk, spoke publicly about the situation during a press conference ahead of the knockout fixture. Van Dijk emphasized that the well-being of his teammate had become the squad’s biggest concern, making it clear that football was insignificant compared to what Gakpo and his family were experiencing.

According to Van Dijk, everyone within the Dutch camp immediately rallied around Gakpo following the tragic news. He explained that moments like these remind people that there are far more important things in life than football. While players and coaches are usually focused on training sessions, tactics, and preparing for major matches, situations involving family tragedy naturally shift everyone’s priorities.

Van Dijk admitted that hearing about the loss had deeply affected the entire squad. He described the situation as incredibly sad and acknowledged that no parent should ever have to endure the pain of losing a child before birth. At the same time, he praised Gakpo for the dignity and maturity he has shown throughout the difficult period.

The experienced defender also expressed admiration for Noa and the wider Gakpo family, saying they had handled the heartbreaking circumstances with remarkable strength. Van Dijk noted that watching his teammate cope with such profound grief while continuing to support the national team had earned the respect of everyone inside the Dutch dressing room.

Head coach Ronald Koeman also addressed the tragedy while previewing the upcoming match against Morocco. The Netherlands manager revealed that the coaching staff immediately offered Gakpo the opportunity to leave the team’s training camp and return home to be with his family if he wished.

Koeman explained that there was never any pressure placed on the Liverpool forward regarding football. Instead, the coaching staff focused entirely on providing emotional support and ensuring Gakpo could make whatever decision he felt was best for himself and his loved ones.

According to Koeman, the Dutch Football Association gave Gakpo complete freedom to leave the team hotel during the first few days after learning of the devastating news. The staff wanted him to spend as much time as necessary with Noa and the rest of his family, recognizing that personal matters take precedence over football.

However, after carefully considering his options, Gakpo chose to remain with the Netherlands squad. Koeman explained that at no point did the striker tell the coaching staff he wanted to return home permanently or withdraw from the tournament. Instead, he assessed the situation privately with his family before deciding that staying with the national team was the right path forward.

The Netherlands manager praised Gakpo’s decision-making process, stressing that it reflected both maturity and resilience. Koeman emphasized that the player had handled the situation in his own way, supported by his family, and deserved enormous respect for how he had managed such an emotionally challenging experience.

Although Gakpo is expected to play against Morocco, football remains secondary in light of the tragedy. The Dutch squad have made it clear that their primary concern is supporting one of their teammates through an incredibly painful chapter in his life. Players have continued to check in with Gakpo, ensuring he knows he has the full backing of everyone within the national team setup.

The emotional support extends beyond the Netherlands camp. Liverpool players, coaching staff, and supporters have also sent messages of compassion to the forward and his family. Since joining Liverpool, Gakpo has earned a reputation not only for his performances on the pitch but also for his professionalism, humility, and strong character away from football.

News of the family’s loss has united supporters from clubs across Europe. Rivalries have been put aside as fans from different teams have offered sincere condolences, demonstrating the solidarity that often emerges within football during moments of personal tragedy.

For Gakpo, continuing to represent his country may also provide a sense of purpose and routine during an otherwise overwhelming period. Many athletes have spoken in the past about how remaining involved with their teams can offer emotional support, even while coping with grief. At the same time, the Netherlands coaching staff have made it clear that Gakpo’s well-being will remain their highest priority throughout the tournament.

Noa’s emotional tribute to their unborn son touched many people around the world. In her social media posts, she described Elijah Raphael Gakpo as “forever loved” and “forever our son,” expressing the deep connection the family already felt with the child they had been preparing to welcome. She also shared a touching story about visiting a church to light a candle before unexpectedly meeting another child named Elijah, an experience she believed served as a comforting sign during an incredibly painful time.

As the Netherlands prepare for one of the biggest matches of their World Cup campaign, football has become only part of the story. The greater focus remains on supporting Cody Gakpo and his family as they grieve the loss of their unborn son.

Whether or not Gakpo features prominently against Morocco, the overwhelming message from teammates, coaches, supporters, and the football community has been one of compassion. Their thoughts remain with Cody, Noa, Samuel, and the entire Gakpo family as they navigate an unimaginable loss while carrying the memory of Elijah Raphael Gakpo with them forever.