Belgium is facing a public debate after Jeremie Doku said he may leave the national team during the World Cup if the birth of his first child coincides with the tournament's decisive stages. The Manchester City winger made the comments after Belgium's disappointing 1-1 draw with Egypt, putting him at the center of attention off the pitch as well as on it.
Doku said the choice would be deeply personal, stressing that being present for the birth of his first child means a great deal to him. At the same time, he said he understands the importance of the World Cup and his duty to the national team, and noted that the Belgian football association has shown understanding and is allowing him flexibility depending on how events unfold.
The possibility of his departure drew sharp criticism in Belgium and beyond, with some commentators arguing that the World Cup is a once-in-a-career moment and that players would do anything to be in his position. Journalist France Piran said, “Hundreds of players would kill to be in your place. It may never happen again in your life. It is a childhood dream you are fulfilling, and you are going to leave all that to go to the birth of the child, a moment when the father is not doing anything anyway.”
Others defended Doku, saying the decision is legitimate and personal. Football figures also pointed out that a child’s birth is a unique life event, and recalled that top stars have previously left national team camps or missed important matches for family reasons without it harming their status or professionalism. The controversy has broadened into a wider discussion about balancing elite sport with personal life.
