Dutch rally around Gakpo after loss of unborn son

The Netherlands national football team is offering strong support to striker Cody Gakpo following the tragic loss of his unborn son. Gakpo and his partner, Noa van der Bij, experienced the loss during pregnancy, as announced by Van der Bij on social media Saturday.

Coach Ronald Koeman and captain Virgil van Dijk have both publicly hailed the couple's strength and resilience during this difficult time. Koeman stated that the team and staff have provided all possible support, granting Gakpo time to be with his family near the team's base in Kansas City while the Netherlands competes in the World Cup. "Of course, the first few days he had the freedom to go out to his family and be with them. He dealt with it very well, there was never a moment where he said ‘I want to go back, I want to be with the family’," Koeman said.

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We have done what was within our power in terms of support, as players, as staff. Of course, the first few days he had the freedom to go out to his family and be with them. He dealt with it very well, there was never a moment where he said ‘I want to go back, I want to be with the family’

Van Dijk echoed these sentiments, expressing deep respect for how Gakpo and his family are handling the situation. "The most important thing is to ask: ‘what do you need?’ It’s awful news and it shows that football is secondary. There are more important things in life. It’s very sad but Cody deals with it," Van Dijk commented. He added, "He’s very mature, very adult. I have lots of respect for the way he and his family are handling this. However awful it is, I respect it very much."

While Gakpo himself has not made a public statement, he is anticipated to participate in Monday's match against Morocco in the last 32 of the tournament. The team's solidarity highlights the profound human impact beyond the sport.

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The most important thing is to ask: ‘what do you need?’ It’s awful news and it shows that football is secondary. There are more important things in life. It’s very sad but Cody deals with it. He’s very mature, very adult. I have lots of respect for the way he and his family are handling this. However awful it is, I respect it very much.