Netherlands football star Cody Gakpo has overcome a week of personal tragedy to score a stunning goal in their World Cup clash against Morocco.
The Dutch rode their luck with Morocco having the better chances in the first half before Gakpo fired home in the 72nd minute with a smart finish after a brilliant assist by Crysencio Summerville.
The Liverpool star was immediately overcome with emotion, unable to celebrate as he was mobbed by teammates.
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He could be seen wiping away tears as the toll of the recent personal tragedy was laid bare.
Two days before the match, Gakpo and his partner Noa van der Bi shared the heartbreaking news that their unborn son has died.
Van der Bi posted a photo of her hand interlocked with Gakpo’s over an empty baby swaddle with a shattering message.
“With broken hearts, we share the devastating news that our baby boy passed away during pregnancy,” she said.
“Thank you for your love and support. Elijah Raphael Gakpo. Forever loved. Forever our son.”
Gakpo added: “This is an incredibly difficult time for our family. We kindly ask for our privacy and space. Thank you for your understanding.”
Van der Bi went on to share a “sign from God” she believes they were sent as they started the grieving process.
“We went to church to light a candle. Afterward, we walked to the church playground with our son Samuel,” she wrote.
“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.”
Just last month, the couple revealed their joy that they were expecting a second child.
“Our little family is growing 🤍 we can’t wait to meet you,” they wrote on May 30.
Gakpo’s goal looked like being the winner until Morocco found an equaliser in the 90th minute to send the match into extra time.
More to come …
