Dutch soccer player Cody Gakpo and his partner Noa van der Bij have announced the heartbreaking loss of their unborn son.
The couple shared the news on June 27, 2026, revealing that their baby died suddenly during pregnancy.
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Van der Bij posted on Instagram, writing "Gebroken hart" (broken heart) and describing the devastating news.
Just four weeks earlier, the couple had shared a joyful update. They posed with their son Samuel, who wore a hat designating him as a future big brother.
Following the tragedy, the family visited a church to light a candle.
They then met a young boy named Elijah at a playground, which they saw as a divine sign.
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The couple decided to name their late son Elijah, saying, "He reminds us that our little boy is never far away."
Gakpo is currently in the United States competing in the World Cup. He started all three group stage matches, scoring two goals and providing one assist.
The Netherlands national team is scheduled to play their next match on Monday night at 3:00 a.
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m. Dutch time.
