Controversy Amidst the World Cup: Criticism Quickly Forgotten
During the FIFA 2026 World Cup taking place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, Jérémy Doku — the Belgian winger playing for Manchester City — left the national team's training camp to fly to London to welcome the birth of his first child. The decision was openly criticized by a commentator on L’Équipe's channel, who described it as unprofessional and a lack of commitment to the team. However, this criticism did not reflect the RBFA's stance: coach Domenico Tedesco had given Doku full permission, and the association confirmed the departure was legitimate and respected.
Public reaction was swift. Fans, labor rights activists, and sports ethics experts condemned the tone of the criticism as outdated and insensitive. The birth of a child is not a 'personal matter' to be trivialized — it is a major human event that deserves to be prioritized without guilt.
L’Équipe's Official Apology: A Step in Editorial Responsibility
In less than 48 hours, L’Équipe issued a formal apology on its website and social media platforms. They clarified that the commentator's remarks did not represent the network's editorial position and expressed regret for misjudging the human context of the event. "We respect every individual's right to be present during important family moments — especially the birth of a child," read a quote from their official statement.
The RBFA welcomed the apology. Support also came from various quarters, including independent sports journalists and academics in sports ethics, who praised L’Équipe's decisiveness in correcting its mistake without debate or defending a narrow viewpoint.
The Birth of Praise: A Joyful Moment Uniting the Squad
On June 22, 2026, Doku's wife, Shireen, safely gave birth to a baby boy named Praise in London. Doku was by his wife's side throughout the delivery process. The couple is now enjoying time with their new family, with full support from the RBFA and Manchester City.
Coach Tedesco emphasized that family priorities are not a hindrance to professional commitment — rather, they are the foundation of an athlete's emotional stability. Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku also publicly extended their congratulations, not just as teammates but as men who understand the meaning of being present for the birth of their own children. The morale of the Belgian squad is reportedly high; Doku's temporary absence has not weakened spirits — instead, it has strengthened their sense of solidarity.
Work-Life Balance is Not a Luxury, But a Fundamental Right
The Doku case is not an anomaly. It reflects a professional sports system still struggling to adapt to modern human values. In the NBA and NFL, paternity leave is common and rarely criticized — but in football, especially during a tournament as significant as the World Cup, the pressure to 'sacrifice' is often imposed as a condition of love for one's country or sport.
FIFA introduced voluntary guidelines on paternity leave in 2023, but their implementation is not binding and depends on the discretion of national associations. This case highlights the need for clear, measurable, and mandatory policies — not just symbolic declarations. It also calls for sports media to re-examine how they shape narratives: not by pitting 'family vs. career,' but by recognizing that the two are mutually supportive.
What's Next: Doku's Return and Broader Meaning
Doku is scheduled to return to the Belgian training camp within three days of his personal leave. The team is currently in a tough group, and his presence will strengthen their attacking options — particularly in one-on-one situations and quick transitions. His performance in pre-tournament friendlies indicated solid physical and mental form.
For Doku himself, this incident leaves two legacies: first, unfair but quickly forgotten public criticism; second, sincere support from his team, family, and institutions that value his humanity. It serves as a reminder that behind the red-and-black Belgian jersey, behind his 35 km/h speed and calm penalty kicks, is a father holding his child for the first time — and that, more than anything, is a triumph that needs no championship trophy to validate it.