Gakpo weeps after scoring as Netherlands crash out

Cody Gakpo broke down in tears after scoring for the Netherlands against Morocco just days after his partner Noa van der Bij announced the couple suffered a miscarriage. Morocco equalised through Issa Diop before winning a penalty shootout after misses from Ju

The Netherlands looked set to steady the night when Cody Gakpo struck first against Morocco in the World Cup last-32 tie in Monterrey. From close range after good work from Crysencio Summerville. the Liverpool forward broke the deadlock—and then the celebration turned into something far more private.

Gakpo dropped to his knees amid chaotic scenes around him. hands over his head as he was instantly mobbed by teammates who gathered to console him. When he finally got back to his feet. he was visibly upset. burying his head underneath his shirt to wipe away his tears. Moments later, he looked to the sky and blew a kiss.

The goal came just days after Gakpo’s family tragedy. His partner, Noa van der Bij, announced on Saturday—via Instagram—that their little boy passed away during pregnancy. She wrote: “With broken hearts, we share that our little boy passed away during pregnancy. Thank you for all the support.” She added that she and Gakpo went to church together and lit a candle. then went to the playground with their son Samuel. and that another child was there named Elijah—“There could not have been a more beautiful sign from God.”.

Gakpo has a son. Samuel. with Van der Bij. and the 27-year-old striker had revealed just four weeks ago that he and Van der Bij were expecting their second son. He later posted: “This is an incredibly difficult time for our family. We kindly ask for our privacy and space. Thank you for your understanding.”.

Amid that grief, Gakpo still delivered on the pitch. But Morocco would not stay down. In stoppage time, Issa Diop hit a bullet header to force the game into penalties, where the Netherlands’ control slipped away.

Justin Kluivert, Quinten Timber and Summerville all missed their spot kicks for Ronald Koeman’s team. Morocco’s Ismael Saibari converted the winning penalty to send the African side through.

Back at the hotel and training grounds. the Dutch federation moved quickly to acknowledge the situation without turning it into a public spectacle. In a statement. the federation said: “First of all. we sympathise with Cody and his family. Noa and their son Samuel. This is a very sad private situation.” It added that the KNVB was trying to support the family where possible and that Gakpo had decided. “in consultation with his girlfriend. ” to remain with the group.

The federation also made clear it would not provide further detail: “We respect their privacy and therefore will not comment further on the situation. including the way in which we are trying to be there for them. We will also not provide any further information on this in the near future. If anything is shared about this, it is up to the family themselves.”.

For Gakpo, the emotions were clear in Mexico long after he tucked the opener away in Monterrey. On the scoreboard, the Netherlands went out to Morocco on penalties; in the moment, a goal became a reminder of what was happening off the pitch—when heartbreak and football collided.

Cody Gakpo Netherlands Morocco World Cup Monterrey penalty shootout Issa Diop Ronald Koeman Justin Kluivert Quinten Timber Crysencio Summerville Ismael Saibari Noa van der Bij miscarriage