Cody Gakpo scored against Morocco but did not celebrate, instead bursting into tears after the shock of losing his unborn child.
On the morning of June 30, Cody Gakpo’s opening goal in the 72nd minute of the Netherlands’ match against Morocco in the round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup was not accompanied by his familiar celebration.
Gakpo put the Netherlands ahead following a decisive finish. As soon as the ball was nestled in the net, the forward on the books of Liverpool did not raise his hands to celebrate but knelt, bowed his head, and could not hold back his tears.
The 27-year-old forward let his teammates run over to hug him tightly and share his pain. That image quickly became one of the most emotional moments of the 2026 World Cup.
Just a few days ago, Gakpo and his family received a major tragedy when their second child could not be born. His partner, Noa van der Bij, choked back tears announcing on social media that: “With broken hearts, we are pained to announce our child could not come into the world. Elijah Raphael Gakpo, you will forever be loved and forever be our son.”
Despite suffering the mental shock, Gakpo still decided to stay with the Netherlands team to battle at the World Cup. The Dutch Football Association stated they will create all conditions to support this forward to overcome the difficult period, while respecting all of his decisions.
Before entering the knockout round, Gakpo was one of the most prominent players of “the Orange Whirlwind”. He started all three group stage matches, scored a brace in the 5-1 victory over Sweden, and continued to fire against Morocco.
The goal in the 72nd minute not only helped the Netherlands create an advantage, but also became an emotional farewell from Gakpo to his child who did not have the chance to cry its first cry into the world. The image of the forward bursting into tears in the arms of his teammates left fans all over the world deeply moved.
