Liverpool FC fans have been treated to the most heartwarming news of the season: striker Cody Gakpo and his long-term girlfriend Noa van Dalen are expecting their first child—a baby boy—due in spring 2026. The couple, who have been together since their teenage years in the Netherlands, shared the joyful announcement on Instagram on December 13, 2025, with a stunning black-and-white photo of Cody cradling Noa’s bump under fairy lights, captioned simply: “Our little man arriving soon. Can’t wait to meet you, son.” The post has already racked up 1.8 million likes in 24 hours, with the entire Liverpool community—and even rival fans—flooding social media with congratulations for the 26-year-old forward who has become Anfield’s golden boy both on and off the pitch.
Gakpo, who joined the Reds from PSV Eindhoven in January 2023 for £37 million, has been in scintillating form this season, scoring 12 goals and providing 8 assists in 24 appearances across all competitions. But this personal milestone has stolen the spotlight. Teammates led the celebrations: Virgil van Dijk posted a heart emoji barrage with “Uncle Virg reporting for duty,” while Mohamed Salah commented: “Mabrouk brother — the best is yet to come.” Trent Alexander-Arnold shared a baby bottle emoji and “Mini Gakpo incoming!” Even Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford slid into the comments with “Congrats mate — big love,” proving football rivalries can pause for pure joy.
The couple’s love story is straight out of a fairy tale. Cody and Noa, both 26, met at 15 in their hometown of Eindhoven and have been inseparable ever since—through Cody’s rise at PSV, his World Cup heroics with the Netherlands, and the whirlwind move to Merseyside. Noa, a law graduate who works in sports marketing, has been a constant at Anfield, often spotted in the players’ box with her signature red scarf. Their engagement in December 2024—a romantic proposal on a snow-covered Dutch canal—had already melted hearts; now the baby news completes the picture.
Fans are in absolute frenzy. #BabyGakpo has trended globally with 1.2 million posts, Liverpool supporters flooding the replies with “Future No. 18 loading” and “Anfield’s next legend in the making.” The club’s official account posted a red heart and “Welcome to the LFC family, little one,” while Jürgen Klopp—now Germany manager—sent a video message from Munich: “Cody, my son, you score on the pitch and now off it too—massive congratulations!”
As Arne Slot’s side chase a Premier League and Champions League double, Gakpo’s impending fatherhood adds an extra layer of magic. “He’s playing with even more fire now,” Slot told reporters after the 3-0 win over Aston Villa. “This is what football is about—family, love, legacy.”
From Eindhoven sweethearts to Anfield royalty, Cody and Noa’s journey just got its most beautiful chapter yet. A baby boy on the way, a club on the rise, and a love story that keeps getting better. Congratulations, Gakpos—the Liverpool family couldn’t be prouder.
