Cody Gakpo scored the opening goal for the Netherlands against Morocco in their Round of 32 match at the 2026 World Cup, but his celebration was notably subdued due to a personal tragedy. The Liverpool winger's goal brought him closer to equaling the record for most goals scored by a Dutch player in World Cup history on December 3, 2026.
Gakpo's Emotional Moment on the Pitch
After netting the goal, Gakpo was visibly emotional, breaking down in tears as his teammates rushed to support him in the Morocco penalty area. The muted celebration reflected the significance of his achievement amid the recent loss he and his partner experienced with the passing of their unborn child.
Team manager Ronald Koeman expressed admiration for Gakpo’s strength during this difficult time, stating, “We have done what was within our power in terms of support, as players, as staff.” Koeman highlighted that Gakpo had the freedom to be with his family during the first few days following the tragedy.
Support from Teammates and Coaches
Skipper Virgil van Dijk also praised Gakpo, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing family over football. “The most important thing is to ask: ‘What do you need?’ It’s awful news and it shows that football is secondary,” said Van Dijk. His comments underline the emotional weight of the situation and the respect the team has for Gakpo and his family.
Despite the circumstances, Gakpo has performed impressively at the tournament, scoring three goals and providing one assist, including a brace against Sweden prior to the match against Morocco.
- Cody Gakpo has scored three goals in the tournament.
- He is one goal away from equalling Johnny Rep's World Cup record.
- The Netherlands team has rallied around him during this tough time.
🤖 This article was rewritten by Feed and Figures' editorial AI from a report originally published by FourFourTwo. Facts and quotes are preserved from the original; the rewrite focuses on clarity and structure. For the unedited original, see the source link below.
