Liverpool and Netherlands forward Cody Gakpo showed remarkable strength by scoring for his country just days after he and his partner, Noa van der Bij, announced the heartbreaking loss of their unborn son.
Gakpo opened the scoring in the Netherlands' Round of 32 clash against Morocco, but his side were eventually eliminated after a 1-1 draw ended in a 3-2 penalty shootout defeat.
The 27-year-old was visibly emotional after finding the net, dropping to his knees as teammates rushed to embrace him. Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk also shared a heartfelt moment with Gakpo as the players returned to their half.
On Saturday, Gakpo's partner revealed on social media that the couple had lost their baby boy during pregnancy.
"With broken hearts, we share the devastating news that our baby boy passed away during pregnancy," she wrote. "Elijah Raphael Gakpo. Forever loved. Forever our son."
Despite the personal tragedy, Gakpo chose to remain with the Netherlands squad and featured throughout the tournament. He was substituted in the 113th minute against Morocco before the decisive penalty shootout.
The touching goal and the support shown by his teammates highlighted the football community's solidarity with Gakpo during an incredibly difficult period.
