Cody Gakpo lost an unborn son this week. He's still expected to start for the Netherlands on Monday. That tells you everything about the man.
Gakpo's partner Noa van der Bij shared the news of the pregnancy loss on social media on Saturday. The Netherlands, deep in World Cup competition in the United States, responded by giving Gakpo time away from camp to be with family staying near the team base in Kansas City. He took it. Then he came back.
Koeman and Van Dijk speak
Coach Ronald Koeman was measured but clear about how the squad handled it. "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'."
That last detail is quietly remarkable. Gakpo chose to stay.
Captain Virgil van Dijk didn't hide behind football diplomacy. "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."
What it means for Monday
Van Dijk confirmed he expects Gakpo to be fully focused for the last-32 clash against Morocco, and given Gakpo's form at this tournament, that matters. The Netherlands need him. Morocco, who reached the semi-finals in Qatar, are not a team you want to face without your most dangerous forward.
Gakpo himself has made no public comment. He doesn't need to. The fact that he's preparing to play says more than any statement could.
