Manchester City winger Jeremy Doku is currently sidelined by illness and will sit out Belgium’s upcoming match against Iran. Beyond his health struggles, the 24-year-old has faced significant public scrutiny after announcing his plans to depart the World Cup training camp to support his wife, Shireen, during the birth of their first child. The baby is due during the second week of July, potentially coinciding with the tournament’s quarter-final stage.
Doku emphasized that witnessing the birth of his first child is a priority, though he acknowledged the complexities of professional football. His announcement drew harsh criticism from L’Equipe presenter France Pierron, who publicly described a father’s presence at birth as unnecessary. Her comments triggered a wave of backlash from fans and public figures, including Olympic gold medalist Brahim Asloum, who defended the player’s right to prioritize family.
Pierron subsequently issued an apology via X, clarifying that her remarks were a personal opinion and stating she did not intend to diminish the importance of a father’s role. Meanwhile, the Belgian national team continues its campaign following a 1-1 draw against Egypt, with Doku confirmed unavailable for their second group fixture.
