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Jeremy Doku is one of Belgium's most important players, but he faces a dilemma as the Red Devils go deeper in the World Cup tournament.
Doku's wife, Shireen, is pregnant and due to give birth within the next few weeks, but she is back home in England. Doku may have to choose between being there for his wife when she goes into labor and being there for his team in a potentially important match.
Belgium has high hopes for a deep run in the World Cup, and Doku's possible absence would be a huge storyline moving forward. The 24-year-old forward is one of the team's biggest scoring threats.
As a result, Doku's suggestion that he could leave the World Cup has been controversial among those who believe that the competition is too big of a stage from which to simply walk away.
🚨👶 Jérémy Doku could temporarily leave Belgium's World Cup camp to be present for the birth of his son, and the debate has exploded across Europe. 🇧🇪
French journalist France Pierron didn't hold back:
🗣️ Pierron: "Are you seriously telling me these players have sacrificed… pic.twitter.com/OLAQzJEtQM
Here's the latest on Doku's status moving forward.
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Is Jeremy Doku leaving the World Cup?
Doku and his wife, Shireen, are expecting their first child at some point during this World Cup, creating a conflict for the Manchester City player. Doku wants to be available for Belgium in every match, but he also wants to be there for his wife when she gives birth.
Doku told Reuters that his is expecting his child during the second week of July, which is during the quarterfinal round of the tournament. He added that he and the team will work together to determine the best path forward.
"It depends on when it happens, but it's my first child, so I would definitely want to be there," he said. "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. I know the federation supports its players and understands their situations. We'll see what we can do."
Doku lives in England, as he plays professionally for Premier League giants Man City. He would use a private plane to fly back home when it's time for his wife to give birth.
Is Jeremy Doku playing today?
Doku is not expected to play in Belgium's second World Cup match against Iran on Sunday afternoon, but it doesn't have to do with the birth of his first child. Instead, Doku is reportedly dealing with a respiratory illness, which will keep him out of the match.
🚨🇧🇪 𝗡𝗘𝗪: Jérémy Doku's camp has denied any link between his absence tonight and the imminent birth of his wife.
According to a source close to the player, the winger is currently suffering from a respiratory illness.
The Belgian international is experiencing this… pic.twitter.com/yDhkIcYHjq
Belgium played to a draw against Egypt and is looking for its first win of the World Cup.
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Jeremy Doku children
Jeremy Doku is expecting his first child in July, when his wife is due to give birth. While Doku wants to compete for his country at the World Cup, he also wants to see the birth of his first child in person.
L'Equipe apologizes to Jeremy Doku
France Pierron, a French TV host, was one of the more vocal critics of Doku's suggestion he could leave the World Cup for the birth of his first child.
The L'Equipe presenter said it was an "outrage", adding: "You can't miss a World Cup. And now, you're not going to the match to cut an umbilical cord?
"I'm sorry, the father serves no purpose. He is an extra. He just holds your hand and takes a photo."
Perron issued an apology via X for her remarks, saying: "I expressed a personal opinion, within the framework of a debate. These remarks concern only me and in no way reflect a collective position.
"I understand that they may have shocked, hurt, or wounded some of you, and I am sorry for that. My intention has never been to minimise the place or role of fathers with their partner and their child."
L'Equipe distanced itself from Perron's remarks, saying: "L'Equipe disassociates itself from these remarks, which are far removed from the group's values, and apologizes to the footballer in question and, more broadly, to its fans."
L'Equipe is one of France's biggest sports publications, comprising a newspaper, magazines and a TV channel. It is part of the Amaury Group, which also owns France Football, the esteemed magazine that presents the prestigious Ballon d'Or to the best male and female players each year.
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