Liverpool forward Codi Gakpo and his partner have announced they are expecting their second child in May.
Kodi Gakpo’s son dies while pregnant (Image: Getty Images)
Kodi Gakpo’s partner Noah van der Vij has confirmed that their son Elijah died during pregnancy. The Liverpool forward and his girlfriend are pregnant with their second son and confirmed the news in May.
The 27-year-old is currently playing for the Netherlands at the World Cup, while his girlfriend Noah is in the US to support the Reds attacker. In May, the couple shared a heartwarming Instagram post announcing that they are expecting son Samuel in 2024 and their second child is due in October.
However, in two Instagram Stories on Saturday, Ms van der Vij revealed that the couple had suffered a miscarriage. Noah posted a photo of the two of them holding hands on a blanket and a knitted hat, and wrote, “It is with broken hearts that we share the shocking news that our baby died during pregnancy. Thank you for your love and support. We loved Elijah Rafael Gakpo forever. Our son forever.”
In a subsequent article, she posted a photo of herself lighting candles at church with the caption, “We went to church to light the candles. Afterwards, I walked to the church playground with my son Samuel. There was only one other child there. His name was Elijah.”
“There could not have been a more beautiful sign from God. God reminded us that our little boy is never far away.”
It is unclear when their son’s death occurred, as Mr Gakpo’s partner had been posting on social media throughout the summer following the end of Liverpool’s season.
In early June, she posted a photo on Instagram of herself taking a drink break on her butt on a merry-go-round, before following up with a snap from Texas and Orange’s World Cup opener against Japan.
According to Dutch outlet De Telegraaf, Gakpo did not get off the team bus for training four days ago and was then taken by car. Dutch football federation KNVB said at the time that he was not late, but that there was a good reason for it.
Kodi Gakpo’s girlfriend, Noa van der Vij, announced on her Instagram Story that the baby “died during pregnancy.” (Image: noavdbij/Instagram)
Kodi Gakpo’s girlfriend Noa van der Bij on Instagram story after admitting she lost her second son during pregnancy (Image: noavdbij/Instagram)
Following the shocking news, Liverpool supporters rushed to support the forward and his partner on social media. “Our thoughts, love and condolences go out to Kodi Gakpo and his family on the heartbreaking news of the loss of their baby boy. YNWA,” one account tweeted.
The tweet was viewed more than 213,000 times on X, and replies were flooded with condolences and expressions of support. Another user said: “There are no words for this. I’m so sorry to Cody and his family. This is the kind of pain that puts everything else into perspective.
“We are with you, Cody. All the love in the world. Take all the time you need. YNWA.”
The Netherlands will play Morocco in the World Cup on June 30th (3am Japan time) at the Monterrey Stadium in Mexico. The winner will face South Africa’s winner and co-host Canada in Houston, Texas on July 4 (6pm Japan time).
Gakpo will aim to continue his good form at international level with Ronald Koeman’s side and has scored two goals in this competition so far. The 27-year-old featured for Orange at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and his performances earned him a move to Liverpool.
