Cody Gakpo brought to tears after scoring emotional World Cup goal just days after tragic loss of unborn son

Soccer is one of the few sports where players still have a wide range of celebration choices after scoring a goal. While some players dance or emulate another action, some use the euphoric moment to give a touching tribute, like Cody Gakpo did for the Netherlands.

In Monday night's Round of 32 match between the Netherlands and Morocco, the two sides were level at no goals apiece for over 70 minutes. After a fortunate crossing effort found itself right next to Gakpo's boot, the 6-foot-4 attacker knew what to do next.

What came next was an emotional reaction that brought Gakpo to his knees on the pitch, and his teammates surrounded him.

Just days after his unborn son's death, here is the heartfelt reaction Gakpo showed the world.

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Cody Gakpo scores emotional goal vs. Morocco

Heading into the 72nd minute, the Netherlands and Morocco were tied in their Round of 32 match. Many had expected this to be perhaps the toughest opening knockout round battle of the entire slate, and fans got that through no team being able to break through. However, that changed after a burst of fortune swayed in the Dutch's favor.

Wout Weghorst, who just entered the pitch as a sub, met Bart Verbruggen's goal-kick inside the center-circle with a header flick towards Crysencio Summerville on the front line, who charged to the edge of Morocco's before slipping. The chance was not ceased, however, and the Netherlands' winger was able to scratch out a cross for a seeking Gakpo run, who slotted a finish underneath Bounou and into the net.

CODY GAKPO GIVES THE NETHERLANDS THE LEAD 🇳🇱 pic.twitter.com/tlxHfJChaC

After the Dutch went up 1-0, the Oranje rushed towards Gakpo to celebrate with the emotional player, who had just lost his unborn son earlier this week.

The entire Netherlands team comes on the field to support an emotional Cody Gakpo 🇳🇱 pic.twitter.com/ed3jstrHPy

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What happened to Cody Gakpo's baby?

In the days leading up to the Netherlands' Round of 32 match against Morocco, Gakpo and his girlfriend announced that they had lost their unborn son during pregnancy. Despite the tragedy, Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman said that the team is willing to do anything in their power to help Gakpo through this time, according to The Athletic.

“It was very sad news that we learned and that Cody and his family learned,” Koeman said, per The Athletic. “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."

Gakpo still made the choice to play in Monday night's match against Morocco, and he was fortunate enough to make a touching tribute to his late son.