Cody Gapko’s emotional journey at the World Cup has taken a poignant turn following the recent announcement of a family tragedy. The Dutch footballer, who plays for the Netherlands national team, scored the only goal for his side in their knockout match against Morocco on June 29. This remarkable feat came just two days after he and his partner, Noa van der Bij, revealed that they had suffered a pregnancy loss.
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In a heartfelt Instagram post, van der Bij expressed her pride in Gapko’s achievement. She shared a touching image of him celebrating his goal by pointing skyward, accompanied by a simple but powerful message, “So proud,” alongside a prayer hand emoji and an orange heart. The emotional backdrop of this moment speaks volumes, given their recent heartbreak.
On June 27, the couple announced that they had lost their second child, a baby boy named Elijah Raphael Gakpo, during pregnancy. Van der Bij shared the devastating news with her followers, stating, “With broken hearts, we share the news that our baby boy passed away during pregnancy. Thank you for your love and support. Forever loved. Forever our son.”
Prior to this tragic event, Gapko and van der Bij had shared their excitement about expanding their family. On May 30, they announced that they were expecting their second child, expressing their joy with a post stating, “Our little family is growing 🤍 we can’t wait to meet you.” Their first son, Samuel, was born in April 2025, marking a joyful milestone in their lives.
Despite their personal tragedy, Gapko chose to continue representing his national team at the World Cup. The Dutch Football Association issued a statement clarifying that they would be supporting him throughout this period. They acknowledged the couple’s grief and highlighted their commitment to respecting their privacy. “This is a very sad, private situation. We are supporting the family wherever we can,” the statement noted. “After discussing the situation with his partner, Cody has decided to remain with the team.”
The support Gapko received from his teammates on the pitch following his goal illustrated the close-knit nature of the squad. A video captured by Fox Sports showed Gapko being embraced by his fellow players in a moment of shared emotion, underscoring the sense of camaraderie that exists among them.
Despite the emotional highs and lows, the match against Morocco did not conclude in the Netherlands’ favour. Ultimately, the Dutch team faced defeat, losing in a tense penalty shootout during the Round of 32. Nonetheless, Gapko’s goal remains a poignant reminder of both his personal resilience and the challenges faced by athletes as they navigate their professional lives amidst personal tribulations.
As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Gapko, whose performance on the field continues to draw admiration from fans and fellow players alike. The emotional landscape of the World Cup has proven to be complex; triumphs and sorrows often coexist, making each athlete’s journey unique.
In light of this situation, it is a testament to Gapko’s dedication to his sport that he continues to rally through personal loss. His story resonates not only within the footballing community but also serves as a reminder of the human experiences that occur alongside the thrill of competition. As he continues in the tournament, both he and van der Bij strive to honour the memory of their lost son while embracing their existing family.