Belgian winger Jeremy Doku in the eye of the storm for leaving during the World Cup before the birth of his first child

Belgium winger Jeremy Doku is in the spotlight over his decision to potentially leave the World Cup to attend the birth of his first child. The Manchester City player told journalists earlier this week that his wife Shireen is due to give birth in the second week of July, which coincides with the quarter-final stage of the tournament. "It's my first child, so I definitely want to be there," Doku said. If Belgium is still in the tournament, he plans to return home.

Doku indicated that he understands that it is a special moment, but that there are also many other considerations in football. "I know the federation supports its players and understands their situations. We will see what we can do," he added.

Doku's comments have led to fierce criticism. The presenter of France's L'Equipe, France Pierron, called it a "disgusting moment" to leave the national team, noting that the father is of little use during childbirth. "You're not going to cut an umbilical cord; you can't miss a World Cup," she said.

However, her comments drew backlash from former boxer Brahim Asloum, who responded: "A baby is your whole life. A World Cup is over when it's over."


However, Pierron persisted in her criticism, stating that Doku will waste 10 hours, be tired and go through an emotional breakdown. “Your baby will always be there,” she added.

Later on Saturday, Pierron posted a statement on social media saying her "intention has never been to minimize the role of fathers." She indicated that her comments were merely a personal opinion in a heated discussion and that she apologized for any shock they may have caused.

L'Equipe responded on Sunday, distancing itself from Pierron's comments, which were "far removed from the group's values". They apologized to Doku and his fans.

Doku, 24, started in Belgium's opening match against Egypt, which ended 1-1. Rudi Garcia's team will play Iran on Sunday before completing their group stage match against New Zealand on June 26. Doku's teammate Brandon Mechele, a 33-year-old Club Brugge defender, is in a similar situation as his wife is due to give birth later in July.

It is not the first time that a player has interrupted his international obligations to have a birth. Kingsley Coman left the French camp for both the postponed European Championship in 2021 and the edition three years later for the birth of his third and fourth children. Phil Foden left the England camp at Euro 2024 for the birth of his third child, while Liverpool midfielder Ryan Gravenberch missed the Community Shield match against Crystal Palace after the birth of his child. This problem is not limited to football; Shohei Ohtani was also absent from the Los Angeles Dodgers for the birth of his second child.