Jeremy Doku, the Manchester City winger who joined from Rennes in 2023 for 55.4 million pounds, has underscored the importance of family by declaring his intention to be present for the birth of his first child next month. Even if Belgium remains active in the World Cup, the 24-year-old hopes to depart the training camp to support his wife, Shireen.
This sentiment sparked backlash from L’Equipe presenter France Pierron, who labeled the prospect of a father attending a birth as useless and disgusting. Both the outlet and Pierron later issued apologies, with reports suggesting she was removed from her broadcast duties. The broader football community largely condemned the remarks.
Support for Doku has been widespread. England forward Ollie Watkins described the birth of a child as a singular, vital experience, while the Professional Footballers’ Association emphasized that professional obligations should not overshadow significant life milestones. Jeremy Davies of the Fatherhood Institute noted that while athletes are often viewed as mere entertainers, some life events carry far greater weight.
Although FIFA provides strict maternity leave guidelines, paternity leave remains at the discretion of clubs and federations. Throughout the years, many high-profile athletes have prioritized family over competition, including Fabian Delph, David Silva, and David de Gea. Former Brentford and Tottenham manager Thomas Frank supported Doku’s stance, stating that witnessing a child’s birth is a profound life event that should always take precedence over sports. Across other disciplines, figures like Sir Andy Murray and cricketer Jamie Smith have similarly prioritized the arrival of their children over professional tournaments.
