Football community supports Doku amid childbirth criticism
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 22, 2026, 10:01 AM
Last updated Jun 22, 2026
Jeremy Doku, the Manchester City winger, has expressed his desire to be present for the birth of his first child next month, even if it conflicts with Belgium's World Cup commitments. His decision has faced criticism from L'Équipe presenter Pierron, who labeled the father’s presence as unnecessary. Following backlash, L'Équipe issued an apology, stating Pierron's remarks do not reflect their values. Doku's stance has garnered support from fellow players and organizations, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing family over football obligations. If Belgium advances, Doku may miss a quarter-final match scheduled around his wife’s due date in July.
- •Doku intends to leave Belgium camp for childbirth next month.
- •Criticism arose after a comment from L'Équipe presenter Pierron.
- •L'Équipe apologized for the remarks following public backlash.
- •Doku played 86 minutes in Belgium's opening match against Egypt.
- •Players and organizations support Doku's choice to prioritize family.
- 6:09 PMYahoo Sports — Doku returning to World Cup after birth of first child
- 5:59 PMBBC Sport — Doku returning to World Cup after birth of first child
- 2:43 PMYahoo Sports — How football united behind Doku after childbirth criticism
- 10:01 AMBBC Sport — How football united behind Doku after childbirth criticism
"Jeremy Doku has made it clear - family comes first. The Manchester City winger is due to become a father next month and says he wants to leave the Belgium camp to be at the birth, even if they are still at the World Cup. L'Equipe channel presenter France Pierron criticised him, saying a father is "completely useless" at the time of their child's birth, which she said was a "disgusting moment".
"Jeremy Doku wants to fly home to attend the birth of his first child - but why has that proved controversial in some quarters?
"Jeremy Doku flew home to attend the birth of his first child - but why has that proved controversial in some quarters?
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJun 22, 2026, 6:09 PMDoku returning to World Cup after birth of first child
Jeremy Doku flew home to attend the birth of his first child - but why has that proved controversial in some quarters?
- BBC SportJun 22, 2026, 5:59 PMDoku returning to World Cup after birth of first child
Jeremy Doku flew home to attend the birth of his first child - but why has that proved controversial in some quarters?
- Yahoo SportsJun 22, 2026, 2:43 PMHow football united behind Doku after childbirth criticism
Jeremy Doku has made it clear - family comes first. The Manchester City winger is due to become a father next month and says he wants to leave the Belgium camp to be at the birth, even if they are still at the World Cup. L'Equipe channel presenter France Pierron criticised him, saying a father is "completely useless" at the time of their child's birth, which she said was a "disgusting moment".
- BBC SportJun 22, 2026, 10:01 AMHow football united behind Doku after childbirth criticism
Jeremy Doku wants to fly home to attend the birth of his first child - but why has that proved controversial in some quarters?
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