Manchester City and Belgium winger Jeremy Doku has publicly expressed his intent to leave the national team’s 2026 World Cup camp to attend the birth of his first child. While the forward maintains that federation officials are aware of the situation, his planned departure has ignited a cross-generational debate regarding the intersection of professional obligations and family life.
Doku’s Plan and Federation Support
Doku, 24, stated that his partner, Shireen, is expected to give birth during the tournament’s second week, a period that coincides with the quarter-final stage. The winger has been clear about his priorities, even while acknowledging the complex demands of top-tier football. As reported by the BBC, Doku noted that he has discussed the matter with team leadership.
“If you ask me what I want, my answer is that nobody wants to miss the birth of their first child. But I also know that football involves many other considerations,” Doku told The Athletic. He added that he believes the federation understands the situation and they will determine the best course of action together.
The logistics of such a departure are complicated by FIFA’s strict tournament regulations. National teams are required to maintain a precise roster count, and any player leaving the “bubble” of a training camp must navigate security protocols and travel coordination. Historically, federations have granted leave for personal emergencies, but a planned absence during a tournament knockout stage remains a rare occurrence, placing Doku at the center of a modern dilemma for professional athletes.
Media Backlash and the “Extra” Controversy
The announcement triggered sharp criticism from several figures in sports media. The most intense reaction originated from France Pierron, a presenter for the French channel L’Equipe. During a broadcast, Pierron characterized Doku’s potential absence as a failure of commitment to his team and his career.
“You’re living out a childhood dream, yet you’re going to walk away from it all to attend the birth of your child – a disgusting moment, if you’ll pardon the expression, where the dad is completely useless.”
These comments drew significant pushback. The Guardian reports that the French newspaper Libération labeled Pierron’s stance as “the reaction of another age.” Pierron subsequently issued an apology via Facebook, stating that her remarks were personal opinions and not meant to minimize the role of fathers. The backlash underscores a broader societal shift, where the expectation for professional athletes to be “all-in” regardless of personal circumstances is increasingly being challenged by advocates for parental leave and work-life balance.
Divergent Perspectives on Professional Duty
The controversy highlights a shifting culture in sports regarding family leave. While some commentators, including former Belgium international Gert Verheyen, downplayed the father’s role during birth, other voices from within the industry have been more critical. Peter Janssens, a former youth coach, argued that players make a conscious choice to prioritize the tournament when they join the national squad.
For more on this story, see Doku sparks World Cup backlash by prioritizing first child over tournament.
| Source | Perspective on Doku’s Choice |
|---|---|
| Peter Janssens (VRT) | Criticized the choice, stating the baby will be there after the tournament. |
| France Pierron (L’Equipe) | Called the father “useless” at birth; later apologized for the tone. |
| Libération | Described the criticism of Doku as “the reaction of another age.” |
In the world of elite European football, the pressure to perform is immense. Players like Doku, who compete at the highest club level with Manchester City, operate under year-round scrutiny. When national duty calls, the expectation is often total physical and mental availability. However, the rise of social media and more transparent athlete communication has allowed players to voice their personal values more clearly, forcing traditionalist gatekeepers to reconcile with changing norms.
Contrasting Experiences: The Case of Leo Østigård
While Doku faces scrutiny, other players have managed family milestones alongside their tournament duties. Norway’s Leo Østigård recently welcomed his first child while stationed at the World Cup. Unlike Doku, who aims to be physically present, Østigård participated via video link.
“I’m completely exhausted myself, it was absolutely amazing. She did so well, there wasn’t much I could say, I just had to help her work and get him out,” Østigård said in a video shared by the Norwegian FA. He described the experience as the greatest thing he has ever lived through, noting that his teammates, including Erling Haaland, provided support during the process.
Østigård’s experience illustrates the common compromise many athletes make: utilizing technology to remain connected to home life while adhering to team mandates. For many, this has become the standard “middle ground” in the professional era, though Doku’s desire to be physically present represents a more radical departure from the norm.
Current Status of the Belgium Squad
Doku’s ability to return for the birth remains contingent on Belgium’s progress. The team drew 1-1 with Egypt in their opening match. For the time being, Doku is sidelined for Belgium’s upcoming Group G match against Iran due to a respiratory infection. The medical staff has confirmed he is being monitored daily, though no firm timeline for his return to full training has been established.
Doku’s absence from the starting lineup against Iran poses a tactical challenge for the Belgian coaching staff. As a key winger known for his pace and dribbling, his role on the depth chart is significant. His availability for subsequent group matches will be determined by his recovery from the illness, independent of the family situation. Whether he remains with the squad or departs for his family depends on both the team’s advancement and the specific timing of the arrival of his child, with the uncertainty creating a complex management scenario for the federation in the coming days.
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