Noa’s message began with a stark expression of pain: “Com o coração partido, compartilhamos a notícia devastadora de que nosso filho faleceu durante a gravidez”.
She also described a quiet family moment after the loss, involving their son Samuel and a visit to a church. In another passage, she wrote: “Não poderia haver sinal mais bonito de Deus. Ele nos lembrou que nosso menino nunca está longe”.
The message conveyed both grief and a determination to remember Elijah, whose name was shared publicly with deep affection.
The report says Gakpo was involved in the Netherlands’ victory over Tunisia and remains integrated with the tournament delegation. There has been no suggestion that football should dictate the family’s next decision.
Players can continue routines during private hardship, but remaining with a squad does not lessen the weight of what has happened. Gakpo’s teammates and staff will be expected to offer support while respecting the family’s privacy.
Any decision over whether Gakpo features in the Netherlands’ next fixture should be guided by his family’s needs, not outside expectation. His availability is a football question; the loss described by Noa is profoundly human.
As the Netherlands’ World Cup campaign continues, the next storyline should be one of compassion, space and support for Gakpo and his family.