Liverpool and Netherlands striker Cody Gakpo asked for โprivacy and spaceโ after the loss of his unborn son.
His partner, model Noah van der Bij, announced the news on Saturday. The couple were expecting their second child together, due in October.
Van der Bij posted a photo on social media of the couple holding hands over a blanket and knitted hat.
โIt is with broken hearts that we share the devastating news that our baby boy passed away during pregnancy,โ she wrote.
โThank you for your love and support. Elijah Rafael Gakpo. We love you forever. Forever our son.โ
She then posted a photo of a candle and a cross with the message: โWe went to church to light a candle. Afterwards we went to the church playground with our son Samuel.
โThere was only one other child there. His name was Elijah. There could not have been a more wonderful sign from God. โHe reminded us that our little boy is always there.โ
In his own post, Gakpo, who is at the World Cup with his country, wrote: โThis is an incredibly difficult time for our family.
โWe ask that you respect our privacy and space. Thanks for understandingโ.
The 27-year-old started all three group games at the World Cup in the Netherlands to help his country reach the knockout stages, scoring twice against Sweden.
The Netherlands next play Morocco in the round of 16 on Tuesday (02:00 BST) in Mexico.