Jeremy Doku, the Manchester City winger who is expecting his first child next month, has announced that he will leave Belgium’s World Cup camp to be present for the birth, even if it means missing the team’s final group matches.
Family first: Doku's World Cup dilemma
His decision has drawn a sharp rebuke from France Pierron, a presenter on L'Equipe, who described a father at the moment of his child’s birth as “completely useless.” Pierron later issued an apology, acknowledging that her comments were “very far removed” from the newspaper’s values and confirming she will not host her show on the following Monday.
The episode has sparked a wave of support from across the football community. England international Ollie Watkins, a father of two, praised Doku’s choice, calling the arrival of a first child “a blessing” and stressing the importance of being there for such a moment.
The Professional Footballers’ Association issued a statement reinforcing that players should be supported in balancing professional obligations with significant family events, while the Fatherhood Institute likened elite athletes to gladiators in the Colosseum, arguing that there are experiences worth more than entertainment and money.
On the pitch, Doku featured for 86 minutes in Belgium’s opening 1‑1 draw with Egypt but was forced to sit out the goalless stalemate against Iran after falling ill. His wife, Shireen, is expected to give birth during the second week of July, placing the player at the centre of a personal and professional crossroads.
The situation underscores a growing recognition that even in the high‑stakes environment of international football, moments of family formation can outweigh tournament ambitions, a sentiment echoed by many of Doku’s peers and by organisations that advocate for work‑life balance in sport.