Cody Gakpo scores goal for Netherlands after death of unborn baby son
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Cody Gakpo scores goal for Netherlands after death of unborn baby son
Seth Vertelney, USA TODAY·USA TODAY Sports
·
1 min read
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Every goal in the World Cup knockout phase means something, butCody Gakpo's goal for theNetherlandsagainst Morocco meant a little extra.
Gakpo put the Netherlands ahead against Morocco in the 72nd minute of their World Cup round of 32 game in Monterrey, and was immediately overcome by emotion.
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The Netherlands forward and his partner, Noa van der Bij,announced Saturdaythat their unborn son had died during pregnancy.
Cody Gakpo reacts after his goal against Morocco.
(CARL DE SOUZA, AFP via Getty Images)
Netherlands players celebrate Cody Gakpo's goal.
(JULIO CESAR AGUILAR, AFP via Getty Images)
Cody Gakpo reacts after his goal against Morocco.
(CARL DE SOUZA, AFP via Getty Images)
Cody Gakpo scores the Netherlands' first goal against Morocco.
(Daniel Becerril, REUTERS)
Cody Gakpo scores the Netherlands' first goal against Morocco.
(Raquel Cunha, REUTERS)
Cody Gakpo after scoring in the second half against Morocco.
(Eloisa Sanchez, REUTERS)
Cody Gakpo reacts after scoring against Morocco.
(ALFREDO ESTRELLA, AFP via Getty Images)
Netherlands players celebrate after Cody Gakpo scored.
(JULIO CESAR AGUILAR, AFP via Getty Images)
Cody Gakpo reacts after scoring against Morocco.
(CARL DE SOUZA, AFP via Getty Images)
Cody Gakpo reacts after scoring against Morocco.
(CARL DE SOUZA, AFP via Getty Images)
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See emotional Cody Gakpo goal for Netherlands after announcing death of unborn son
Cody Gakpo reacts after his goal against Morocco.
(CARL DE SOUZA, AFP via Getty Images)
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See emotional Cody Gakpo goal for Netherlands after announcing death of unborn son
Cody Gakpo reacts after his goal against Morocco.
(CARL DE SOUZA, AFP via Getty Images)
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See emotional Cody Gakpo goal for Netherlands after announcing death of unborn son
Netherlands players celebrate Cody Gakpo's goal.
(JULIO CESAR AGUILAR, AFP via Getty Images)
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See emotional Cody Gakpo goal for Netherlands after announcing death of unborn son
Cody Gakpo reacts after his goal against Morocco.
(CARL DE SOUZA, AFP via Getty Images)
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See emotional Cody Gakpo goal for Netherlands after announcing death of unborn son
Cody Gakpo scores the Netherlands' first goal against Morocco.
(Daniel Becerril, REUTERS)
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See emotional Cody Gakpo goal for Netherlands after announcing death of unborn son
Cody Gakpo scores the Netherlands' first goal against Morocco.
(Raquel Cunha, REUTERS)
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See emotional Cody Gakpo goal for Netherlands after announcing death of unborn son
Cody Gakpo after scoring in the second half against Morocco.
(Eloisa Sanchez, REUTERS)
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See emotional Cody Gakpo goal for Netherlands after announcing death of unborn son
Cody Gakpo reacts after scoring against Morocco.
(ALFREDO ESTRELLA, AFP via Getty Images)
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See emotional Cody Gakpo goal for Netherlands after announcing death of unborn son
Netherlands players celebrate after Cody Gakpo scored.
(JULIO CESAR AGUILAR, AFP via Getty Images)
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See emotional Cody Gakpo goal for Netherlands after announcing death of unborn son
Cody Gakpo reacts after scoring against Morocco.
(CARL DE SOUZA, AFP via Getty Images)
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See emotional Cody Gakpo goal for Netherlands after announcing death of unborn son
Cody Gakpo reacts after scoring against Morocco.
(CARL DE SOUZA, AFP via Getty Images)
With the loss of his unborn child still fresh on his mind, Gakpo put his head in the turf after scoring the goal. He had already been on the ground after finishing a pass fromCrysencio Summerville, getting a shot in just before he was tackled by a Morocco player.
When he arose, the tears on his face were evident for the world to see.
In a spontaneous show of support, the entire Dutch team came onto the field to crowd around Gakpo, showing their support.
Gakpo and van der Bij welcomed their first child, Samuël, in 2025. They announced they were expecting a second baby just weeks before the 2026 World Cup.
Gakpo's goal looked like it would be the only one of the game, but Morocco found a 91st minute equalizer throughIssa Diop. The African side then won in a penalty shootout, eliminating the Dutch.
