30 June 2026
Rallying Round Gakpo: Dutch Squad Unites After Heartbreaking Loss
The Netherlands squad has gathered around striker Cody Gakpo after he and his partner suffered the loss of their unborn child during the tournament.
The Netherlands camp has shown a deeply human side during the World Cup, with the entire squad rallying around striker Cody Gakpo following a devastating personal loss, according to Reuters. Gakpo and his partner lost their unborn son during pregnancy, and the player was given time away from the squad to be with his family.
Coach Ronald Koeman and captain Virgil van Dijk both spoke about the situation with great care and respect. Van Dijk said football was rightly seen as secondary at such a moment, and praised both Gakpo and his partner for the fortitude they had shown.
Despite everything, Gakpo returned to training and was expected to be fully focused for the Netherlands' last-32 clash against Morocco. The episode has been a reminder that behind every World Cup story, real lives are being lived.
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