The Netherlands national team has rallied around striker Cody Gakpo following the tragic loss of his unborn child with partner Noa van der Bij. Coach Ronald Koeman and captain Virgil van Dijk have publicly expressed their support, emphasizing the team's priority on Gakpo's well-being over football obligations.
Support from Team Leadership
Koeman stated that the team and staff provided all possible support to Gakpo during this difficult period. He noted that Gakpo was given freedom to be with his family near the team's base in Kansas City as the Netherlands prepare for their Round of 32 match against Morocco on Monday in Guadalupe, Mexico. "We have done what was within our power in terms of support, as players, as staff. Of course, the first few days he had the freedom to go out to his family and be with them. He dealt with it very well, there was never a moment where he said 'I want to go back, I want to be with the family'," Koeman said, as quoted by Reuters.
Van Dijk Emphasizes Life Over Football
Captain Virgil van Dijk stressed the team's approach of asking Gakpo what he needed, underscoring that football is secondary to life's more important matters. "The most important thing is to ask: 'what do you need?' It's awful news and it shows that football is secondary. There are more important things in life. It's very sad but Cody deals with it. He's very mature, very adult. I have lots of respect for the way he and his family are handling this. However awful it is, I respect it very much," van Dijk said, according to Reuters.
Gakpo Granted Time Off
Noa van der Bij shared the heartbreaking news on social media on Saturday local time. Gakpo has been granted time off to be with his family, who are staying near the team's base. The Netherlands face Morocco in their Round of 32 clash on Monday at Guadalupe, Mexico. The team's focus remains on supporting Gakpo as he navigates this personal tragedy.
