Every goal in the World Cup finals means something, but Kodi Gakpo’s goal for the Netherlands vs. Morocco had an even more special meaning.
Gakpo put the Netherlands ahead against Morocco in the 72nd minute in the World Cup Round of 32 match in Monterrey, but was quickly overcome with emotion.
The Dutch forward and his partner Noa van der Vij announced on Saturday that their unborn child had died during pregnancy.
Gakpo, still fresh in his memory of losing his unborn child, stuck his head into the grass after scoring the goal. He was already on the ground after finishing a pass from Crisencio Somerville and took a shot just before being tackled by a Moroccan player.
When he stood up, there were tears on his face.
In a spontaneous show of support, the entire Dutch team appeared on the field and crowded around Gakpo to show their support.
Gakpo and Van der Vij gave birth to their first child, Samuel, in 2025. She announced that she is expecting her second child a few weeks before the 2026 World Cup.
It looked like Gakpo’s goal would be the only goal of the match, but Issa Diop equalized for Morocco in the 91st minute. The African side then won the penalty shootout, eliminating the Netherlands.
