Cody Gakpo’s outburst of emotion after scoring for the Netherlands against Morocco in the World Cup this Monday (29) showed that, although the tournament captivates billions of people around the world, the game does not transcend personal tragedy.
Last week, Gakpo and his partner Noa van der Bij lost the baby they were expecting, a boy, after several months of pregnancy. When the striker scored the opening goal in the match against the African team, he collapsed to the ground and burst into tears.
It was a moving moment for everyone in the stadium, with their Dutch teammates’ joy tempered by their immediate understanding of Gakpo’s pain, and their gestures of concern showed empathy.
Captain Virgil van Dijk had expressed the same sentiment on the eve of the game when he told reporters: “It’s terrible news, and it shows that football is secondary. There are more important things in life.”
Morocco equalized in the end and ended up triumphing on penalties, provoking more tears from the defeated Dutch, but none that could compare to Gakpo’s suffering. Equally touching were the television images that showed his parents in the stands also in tears after the goal.
Van der Bij had posted a photo on social media of the couple holding hands on a blanket and knitted hat.
“With broken hearts, we share the devastating news that our baby passed away during pregnancy,” she wrote when announcing the news.
“Thank you for your love and support. Elijah Raphael Gakpo. Forever loved. Forever our son.”
She then posted a photo of a candle and a cross, with the message: “We went to church to light a candle. Then we walked to the church playground with our son Samuel.”
Gakpo also posted on social media: “This is an incredibly difficult time for our family.” “We kindly ask for privacy and space. Thank you for your understanding.”
