The 24-year-old has made clear his intention to temporarily leave the Belgian squad in the United States if his wife Shireen gives birth during the tournament, with the due date falling in the second week of July, a period that could align with the quarter-final stage should the Red Devils advance that far from their group. Doku addressed the situation openly with reporters earlier in the competition, stating, “It depends on when it happens, but it’s my first child, so I would definitely want to be there. 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.” Belgian media have reported that the federation is prepared to facilitate arrangements, potentially including a private plane to England, where the birth is expected to take place, allowing for a swift return if feasible.
This stance comes as Doku continues to play a key role for Belgium, who began their campaign with a 1-1 draw against Egypt. The winger has been dealing with minor fitness issues, including breathing problems in training, yet he remains an integral part of manager Domenico Tedesco’s attacking options alongside experienced figures such as Kevin De Bruyne. His desire to be present for such a personal milestone reflects a broader evolution in how modern footballers approach the balance between their professional commitments and personal lives, particularly at a tournament as intense and rare as the World Cup. Similar situations have emerged elsewhere in the competition, including Norway defender Leo Østigård following the birth of his first child via video link, highlighting the human realities that persist even amid the global spotlight.
The controversy was ignited primarily by French journalist and L’Équipe presenter France Pierron, who sharply criticised Doku’s position during a television debate. Pierron argued that players who have sacrificed extensively to reach the World Cup should not depart, describing the birth as “a disgusting moment, excuse me, where the father is useless” and suggesting the paternal role is largely symbolic, “he has a role as an extra”, while emphasising the unique opportunity that “hundreds of footballers would kill to be in your place.” She added that leaving would lead to fatigue and emotional disruption upon return, framing it as incompatible with total commitment to the national cause. Her comments, which spread rapidly across social media and international outlets, drew immediate and widespread backlash for what many perceived as an outdated dismissal of fathers’ involvement in childbirth. Pierron later issued clarifications, describing her remarks as a personal opinion expressed in debate and expressing regret for any offence caused, while stressing she did not intend to diminish the importance of fathers.
The episode has prompted wider reflections on shifting societal expectations within football. While some maintain that the singular nature of a World Cup demands unwavering focus during its narrow window, others argue that family milestones, especially the birth of a first child, represent irreplaceable life experiences that should not be subordinated to sport. Doku’s transparency has resonated with many who view it as a refreshing acknowledgment of the personal pressures athletes face, even as his pace, creativity and direct style continue to make him one of Belgium’s most potent threats on the flank. A product of Anderlecht’s academy who shone at Rennes before his move to Manchester City under Pep Guardiola, Doku has earned over 40 caps for his country and embodies the new generation navigating heightened awareness of mental health, work-life balance and long-term wellbeing in an increasingly demanding sport.
Belgium enter this World Cup with renewed ambitions following the achievements of their golden generation, which reached the 2018 semi-finals, though they now operate without some of those players at their peak. Squad depth will be crucial in the knockout stages, rendering any absence significant, yet the federation’s supportive approach indicates that such personal circumstances are viewed as manageable with contemporary travel logistics. Doku has consistently reaffirmed his dedication to the team while being candid about his priorities, a position that underscores how elite football does not exist in isolation from the lives players lead beyond the pitch. As the tournament unfolds and the precise timing of the birth becomes clearer, his situation serves as a poignant reminder of the fundamental choices athletes must weigh, testing not only individual resolve but also the evolving values of the game itself in an era of congested calendars and greater recognition of personal responsibilities.
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