Some news cuts through the noise of football completely. On Wednesday, Liverpool and Netherlands forward Cody Gakpo shared that he and his partner have suffered the loss of their unborn baby, a heartbreaking announcement that has prompted an outpouring of support from fans and fellow players across the game.
Gakpo posted a message on social media confirming the loss, writing that he and his family are going through an incredibly difficult time. The 25-year-old asked for privacy and understanding as they grieve, and the response from the footballing world was immediate and warm.
Liverpool FC were among the first to respond publicly, expressing their full support for Gakpo and his family. Teammates, opponents, and supporters from clubs across Europe sent messages of condolence, a reminder that however tribal football gets, there are moments when it simply doesn’t matter.
“We’re all thinking of you and your family,” wrote one former Dutch international in a social media reply that was widely shared. It was a sentiment echoed by thousands.
Gakpo has been one of Liverpool’s most important players this season, contributing significantly in attack under Arne Slot. But form tables and transfer gossip feel spectacularly irrelevant right now. The man behind the goals is dealing with something no statistic can touch.
Pregnancy loss is far more common than many people openly acknowledge. In the UK, roughly one in four pregnancies ends in miscarriage, yet it remains a subject many couples face largely in silence. When public figures like Gakpo speak about it openly, it genuinely helps others feel less alone in their own grief.
The courage it takes to share something so raw, so personal, in a world where every post invites scrutiny, shouldn’t be understated. Gakpo didn’t have to say anything. He chose to, and that choice matters.
Liverpool’s upcoming fixtures will carry on, as they always do. But for now, the most important thing isn’t what Gakpo does on the pitch; it’s that he and his partner have the space and support to heal. Football can wait.
