Manchester City winger Jeremy Doku has been criticised after an L'Equipe journalist called out his decision to leave Belgium's World Cup squad
Jeremy Doku has been strangely criticised by some of the media for being willing to leave the Belgian national side to attend the birth of his child.
Jeremy Doku has been strangely criticised by some of the media for being willing to leave the Belgian national side to attend the birth of his child.(Image: Photo by Michael Regan - The FA/The FA via Getty Images))
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Manchester City star Jeremy Doku has come under fire after revealing he intends to leave Belgium's World Cup squad to be present at the birth of his first child this week. L'Equipe journalist France Pierron has sparked considerable controversy with remarks that have been clipped and widely shared across social media.
Doku featured in Belgium's 1-1 draw with Egypt in their opening World Cup fixture, but could sit out some of the Red Devils' group stage matches to be with his partner during the birth this month. Speaking on the L'Equipe channel, presenter Pierron said: "You can't miss a World Cup... And now, you're not going to the match to cut an umbilical cord?".
"You have the chance to participate in a World Cup, and there are hundreds of footballers who would kill to be in your place, but you're going to leave all that to go and witness the birth of your child, which is a disgusting moment, excuse me, where the father is useless, he has a role as an extra."
However, not everyone on the panal agreed. What do you mean, we're useless?" former boxer Brahim Asloum said. "Who's encouraging us?"
Pierron said: "The midwife doesn't know how to do it? Meanwhile, you're going to waste 10 hours, you're going to get exhausted, you're going to have an emotional meltdown, you're going to be completely deflated by your World Cup."
"A baby is your whole life," Asloum said. "You can win a World Cup or miss it, but once it's over, it's over."
This is not the first occasion the journalist or the publication have adopted such a peculiar position. The channel was forced to issue an apology following remarks made about PSG and Brazil defender Marquinhos, who missed a match against Montpellier in 2019.
Former Auxerre manager Guy Roux said: "Are men the ones giving birth now? Isn't there a doctor in Paris to deliver this woman's baby?" There was laughter on set before an awkward moment as journalist Bertrand Latour remarked: "Marquinhos's going to be breastfeeding now."
The broadcaster was forced to issue an apology over the comments, yet appears not to have taken the criticism on board. Pierron courted controversy two years ago with remarks about 'the accommodations made for athletes wanting to care for their children during the Paris 2024 Olympics.'
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - JUNE 15: Jeremy Doku of Belgium competes for the ball with Mohamed Hany of Egypt during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group G match between Belgium and Egypt at Seattle Stadium on June 15, 2026 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)
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The journalist faced a fierce backlash for being out of touch, and the latest remarks about Doku have similarly failed to land well on social media.
Addressing his circumstances surrounding the birth of his child ahead of the tournament, Doku said: "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."
No statement has been made from Belgium regarding Doku's availability for their fixture against Iran tomorrow evening, and the Manchester City forward has already made his ambitions clear about becoming his nation's key player.
"I'm really looking forward to it," he told FourFourTwo. "This will be my second World Cup, but my first with a different role, a more important role.
"People will look towards me more to make a difference with the experience I have now. Playing for City, and how I've been performing, it's given me another role in the national team.
"It's my turn to take more responsibility - especially in the bad moments, when maybe it's more difficult, when we're losing or not playing that well.
"I can go and get the ball, show no fear, play my game and be dangerous, to create opportunities for the team."