Cody Gakpo and his partner have made the devastating announcement that they have lost their baby during pregnancy.
The Liverpool winger is currently at the World Cup with the Netherlands and revealed at the end of May that he and his partner Noa van der Bij were expecting their second child.
But in a heartbreaking development, Van der Bij has now revealed that she suffered a miscarriage, with the couple’s baby boy - named Elijah - passing away.
“With broken hearts, we share the devastating news that our baby boy passed away during pregnancy,” she wrote on Instagram.
"Thank you for your love and support.
“Elijah Raphael Gakpo. Forever loved. Forever our son."
She added: "We went to church to light a candle. Afterward, we walked to the church playground with our son Samuel. There was only one other child there. His name was Elijah.
"There could not have been a more beautiful sign from God. He reminded us that our little boy is never far away."
Van der Bij was in the stands to support Gakpo for the Netherlands’ World Cup opener against Japan two weeks ago, which ended 2-2.
Gakpo has since been instrumental for Ronald Koeman’s side in ensuring the nation’s progression to the knockouts as Group F winners, notching two goals and an assist in their 5-1 win over Sweden.
The 27-year-old started all three of the Netherlands’ group games and will be expected to keep his place in their round of 32 match against Morocco on Tuesday.
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