Tracking the trajectory of Gakpo’s rise alongside Van der Bij’s presence illustrates how quickly their circumstances shifted from regional Dutch football to the global sports stage.
| Timeframe | Milestone Event | Context and Significance |
|---|---|---|
| December 2020 | Relationship confirmed publicly | Couple shares initial photos while Gakpo stars for PSV Eindhoven. |
| January 2023 | Move to Merseyside | Gakpo transfers to Liverpool FC; Van der Bij transitions life to England. |
| April 2024 | Birth of son Samuël Seth | The couple welcomes their first child between Premier League fixtures. |
| June 20, 2026 | Viral World Cup family photo | Van der Bij models Dutch kit with young Samuël, cheering on the Netherlands. |
| June 28, 2026 | Heartbreaking personal statement | The couple publicly announces the tragic loss of their unborn child. |
