Belgium winger Jeremy Doku has returned to his country’s FIFA World Cup squad after temporarily leaving camp to witness one of the most important moments of his life—the birth of his first child.
The Manchester City star traveled from Belgium’s World Cup base to England with the approval of the Belgian Football Federation and team medical staff to be present for the birth of his son, Praise. The 24-year-old’s decision sparked debate across the football world, with some critics questioning whether a player should leave an international tournament during such a crucial period.
The controversy intensified after French television presenter France Pierron suggested that fathers play little role during childbirth, comments that triggered widespread backlash from football figures, fans, and family advocacy groups. French sports outlet L’Equipe later apologized, distancing itself from the remarks, while Pierron also issued a public apology.
Doku had featured in Belgium’s opening 1-1 draw against Egypt but missed the team’s goalless draw with Iran. Initially reported as illness-related, it later emerged that the winger had traveled to London to support his wife during childbirth.
Before leaving camp, Doku made his priorities clear.
“No one wants to miss the birth of their first child,” he said, while acknowledging the professional responsibilities that come with representing his country at a World Cup.
Support for the Belgian international quickly poured in from across the sporting world. England striker Ollie Watkins, himself a father, defended Doku’s choice, saying the arrival of a first child is a unique life event that should never be dismissed.
The Professional Footballers’ Association also backed the player, stressing that athletes should not be forced to sacrifice major family moments for their careers. The organization emphasized the importance of treating footballers as people first and professionals second.
Family advocacy organizations echoed those sentiments. The Fatherhood Institute argued that society often expects elite athletes to put sport above everything else, even when facing life-changing personal moments.
Despite FIFA having detailed maternity protections in football, there are currently no specific paternity leave regulations in the men’s game. As a result, players and clubs often make decisions on a case-by-case basis.
Doku is far from the first footballer to choose family over football. During the 2018 World Cup, former England midfielder Fabian Delph left the national team camp in Russia to attend the birth of his daughter. Manchester City legend David Silva also took time away from football after the premature birth of his son, while former Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea received extended leave following the arrival of his daughter in 2021.
Not every player has been as fortunate. Norway defender Leo Ostigard recently watched the birth of his child via FaceTime while competing at the World Cup, while Ruben Neves famously witnessed the birth of his third child through a phone call during the COVID-19 pandemic due to travel restrictions.
Former Brentford and Tottenham manager Thomas Frank believes Doku made the correct decision.
“Football is the most important of the unimportant things,” Frank said. “Being present for the birth of your child is one of life’s greatest experiences. If one of my players faced that situation, I would encourage him to be there.”
Frank added that Doku’s return to the Belgian squad could even provide a boost, with the winger likely to come back energized after experiencing such a significant personal milestone.
The debate extends beyond football. Across professional sports, athletes have repeatedly stepped away from competition to prioritize family. England cricketer Jamie Smith recently missed a Test match following the birth of his daughter, while basketball star Anthony Edwards left a game at halftime in 2024 to attend the birth of his child.
Tennis legend Sir Andy Murray once stated he would gladly abandon a Grand Slam tournament if necessary to be present for the birth of his child, arguing that family moments outweigh even the biggest sporting achievements.
As Belgium prepares for its next World Cup match against New Zealand, Doku returns not only as one of the team’s most dangerous attacking players but also as a proud new father. For many across the football community, his decision serves as a reminder that while trophies and victories matter, some moments in life are simply bigger than the game itself.
— Danchima Media Sports Desk