Cody Gakpo's Partner Speaks Out After Emotional Goal in Netherlands vs. Morocco Match

Pulse Sports Team 06:54 - 30 June 2026

Cody Gakpo played a starring role in the Netherlands vs. Morocco World Cup clash. The Dutch forward scored the opening goal in the second half, breaking down in tears during the celebration. The raw emotions from recent days spilled over, creating a deeply moving scene. Following the team's elimination, his partner, Noa van der Bij, has also shared her thoughts.

Football often takes a backseat to life's bigger moments, a truth starkly highlighted last week. Cody Gakpo and his partner, Noa van der Bij, tragically lost their unborn son during the World Cup. Gakpo took time to process the devastating loss but quickly informed national coach Ronald Koeman that he was ready to play. He earned a starting spot against Morocco, and it was the Liverpool forward who scored the opening goal, making it 1-0. The emotions that followed were palpable.

Not only for Gakpo himself, who dropped to his knees on the pitch, tears flowing freely. His teammates, all rushing to embrace him, also showed their emotions. They shared heartfelt hugs with their colleague, and for a long time, it seemed Gakpo would be the match-winner. However, the Netherlands conceded a 1-1 equalizer in injury time through defender Diop, denying Gakpo the winning goal.

'So Proud'

Gakpo was substituted in extra time and couldn't participate in the penalty shootout. After the Dutch team's elimination, images surfaced of Gakpo in the stands, finding solace with family, friends, and loved ones. It was unclear from the footage whether Van der Bij was physically present in Monterrey. However, she later shared poignant words on her Instagram. "So proud," she wrote on her Stories, accompanied by a heart emoji and praying hands. In the photo, her partner Gakpo points to the sky, undoubtedly a reference to their deceased son.

Gakpo wasn't only comforted by his teammates; after the match, images also showed Moroccan players offering their support to the forward. Achraf Hakimi and Ismael Saibari, among others, approached the Dutch international to speak with him and offer hugs.

The latest news on the FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Check the match schedule here, including fixtures, results, and standings.
Find everything about the Dutch national team here, from news and remarkable stories to statistics.
Watch and listen to our daily World Cup podcast.
To ensure you don't miss anything, download our Sportnieuws.nl App.