Netherlands forward Cody Gakpo scored the opening goal in his team’s World Cup last-32 match against Morocco on Tuesday, amid a deeply personal tragedy. Gakpo, who plays for Liverpool, broke down in tears after finding the net in Guadalupe, just days after he and his partner Noa van der Bij announced the loss of their son Elijah during pregnancy.

The match ended 1-1 after regular time, with Morocco advancing to the next round following a penalty shootout. Despite Gakpo’s early goal, the Netherlands were unable to secure a win, facing elimination on penalties.

The personal heartbreak for Gakpo was made public when his partner shared the news on social media, stating: “With broken hearts, we share the devastating news that our baby boy passed away.” Gakpo described the period as an “incredibly difficult time,” balancing his grief with the demands of competing on the world stage.

The emotional moment underscored the intersection of personal loss and professional performance, as Gakpo’s contribution kept the Netherlands competitive until the final stages of the match. His goal provided a fleeting moment of hope for the Dutch team and their supporters before Morocco ultimately prevailed.