Manchester City winger Jeremy Doku has been criticized by some media figures for his intention to leave the Belgian national team at the World Cup to be present for the birth of his first child. L'Equipe journalist France Pierron sparked controversy with remarks that were widely shared on social media.
Pierron's Controversial Comments
Doku played in Belgium's 1-1 draw with Egypt in their opening World Cup match but may miss group stage games to be with his partner during the birth. Speaking on L'Equipe channel, 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."
Panel Disagreement
Former boxer Brahim Asloum disagreed: "What do you mean, we're useless? Who's encouraging us?" Pierron responded: "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."
Asloum countered: "A baby is your whole life. You can win a World Cup or miss it, but once it's over, it's over."
History of Controversy
This is not the first time the journalist or publication has made such remarks. L'Equipe was forced to apologize in 2019 after comments about PSG and Brazil defender Marquinhos, who missed a match against Montpellier. 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?" Journalist Bertrand Latour added: "Marquinhos's going to be breastfeeding now."
The broadcaster apologized but appears not to have learned from the backlash. Pierron also faced criticism two years ago for remarks about athletes wanting to care for their children during the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Doku's Stance
Addressing the situation before 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 match against Iran. The Manchester City forward has expressed his ambitions: "I'm really looking forward to it. 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."
