SOCCER: Gakpo shows there are much more important matters in life than football

MONTERREY, Mexico — The emotional celebration by Netherlands forward Cody Gakpo after scoring against Morocco in the FIFA World Cup on Monday reflected a deeply personal loss that overshadowed the sport’s biggest stage.

Gakpo and his partner, Noa van der Bij, recently announced that they had lost their unborn baby boy several months into the pregnancy. After scoring the opening goal in the Round of 32 match, Gakpo collapsed to the ground in tears as his teammates quickly gathered around him in support.

Before the match, Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk acknowledged Gakpo’s situation, saying football was secondary to what his teammate and his family were going through.

“It’s awful news, and it shows that football is secondary. There are more important things in life,” Van Dijk told reporters.

Morocco equalized late in the match and went on to eliminate the Netherlands in a penalty shootout. While the Dutch players were left heartbroken by the defeat, Gakpo’s emotions reflected a far greater personal tragedy.

Television cameras also captured Gakpo’s parents in the stands, visibly emotional after his goal.

Van der Bij shared the news on social media alongside a photo of the couple holding hands over a blanket and a knitted hat.

“With broken hearts, we share the devastating news that our baby boy passed away during pregnancy,” she wrote.

“Thank you for your love and support. Elijah Raphael Gakpo. Forever loved. Forever our son.”

She later posted a photo of a candle and a cross with the message: “We went to church to light a candle. Afterward, we walked to the church playground with our son Samuel.”

Gakpo also asked for privacy in a social media post.

“This is an incredibly difficult time for our family,” he wrote.

“We kindly ask for our privacy and space. Thank you for your understanding.” -Writing by Mark Gleeson in Atlanta; Editing by Peter Rutherford/Reuters