Cody Gakpo overcome with emotion after scoring days after death of unborn son

Liverpool player Cody Gakpo scored the opener for the Netherlands in their last 32 match against Morocco in Guadalupe.

Netherlands forward Cody Gakpo broke down in tears after scoring against Morocco just days after the death of his son during pregnancy.

The Liverpool player scored the opener for the Dutch in their last 32 match against Morocco in Guadalupe after being slipped in by Crysencio Summerville.

Gakpo then pounced on the ball before smashing a low finish into the net and crouched to the ground as his emotions overwhelmed him before being surrounded and embraced by his team-mates.

His goal comes only days after he and partner Noa van der Bij announced that their son, who they had named Elijah, had died during pregnancy.

Van der Bij wrote in an Instagram post on Saturday:

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

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

In a post of his own Gakpo added:

“This is an incredibly difficult time for our family. We kindly ask for our privacy and space. Thank you for your understanding.”

Gakpo’s goal looked to be decisive until Issa Diop levelled one minute into stoppage time, with Morocco then going on to win the tie with a 3-2 penalty shootout win.

Find out what’s on at Anfield here.

Find the latest Liverpool FC news here.

Find out what’s good up North on our new platform, The Northern Guide. 

From the best hotels, beauty spots, days out, food and more up North – visit thenorthernguide.com and follow The Northern Guide on Instagram HERE.