Amadou Onana, the Belgian midfielder whose World Cup quarter‑final match is looming, finds himself at a crossroads. His wife’s due date coincides with the tournament’s most critical game, forcing the player to contemplate missing a professional milestone for a personal one.
A historic moment meets personal choice
Onana has spoken openly about his desire to be present for the birth of his first child, acknowledging that the stakes of a World Cup match are matched only by the weight of family expectations. England striker Ollie Watkins has publicly backed him, stressing that witnessing the arrival of a newborn is an experience no athlete should have to forfeit.
The Professional Footballers' Association has long advocated for players to balance professional duties with life‑changing events, yet concrete paternity‑leave policies remain absent in men’s football. The Fatherhood Institute has likened the pressure on footballers to that of gladiators in the Colosseum, highlighting the emotional strain of choosing between duty and family.
History offers several parallels. Fabian Delph left England’s 2018 World Cup camp to be present for his daughter’s birth, while David Silva missed two Manchester City fixtures when his son arrived prematurely. Goalkeeper David de Gea was granted extended Covid‑era leave for his daughter’s arrival, and defenders Leo Ostigard and Ruben Neves watched their children’s births via FaceTime and phone while on international duty.
FIFA’s regulations guarantee a minimum of 14 weeks of paid maternity leave for female players, but there is no corresponding paternity‑leave standard. A manager once had to relay tactical instructions through an earpiece while his wife was in labor, illustrating the logistical gymnastics required to keep both family and profession in motion.
These stories underscore a broader conversation about athlete welfare, the need for clearer leave policies, and the emotional cost of representing a nation on sport’s biggest stage. As the tournament progresses, the world watches not only for goals but also for the personal sacrifices that shape the beautiful game.