Jeremy Doku had to choose between two of the biggest moments of his life.
A World Cup match for Belgium.
Or the birth of his first child.
He chose his son.
And somehow… that became a controversy.
Doku was already battling a respiratory illness in Belgium's camp.
Once cleared, he flew straight to London — not for rest, but for his wife Shireen.
Their son Praise was on the way.
He missed Belgium's goalless draw vs Iran on Sunday.
The Red Devils have now drawn both their opening games. Pressure is building.
French journalist France Pierron went on air and said the quiet part loud:
👉 Childbirth is "disgusting."
👉 The father is "completely useless."
👉 No World Cup player should leave camp for it.
The internet did not take it well.
The backlash was so fierce that L'Équipe — one of the most respected sports outlets on the planet — issued a public apology, saying the comments were "far removed from the Group's values."
Pierron herself apologised too.
Belgium captain Youri Tielemans, a father of three, didn't hesitate:
"Having a child is the most beautiful thing in the world. Being there as a dad — it's memories you can't take back."
Defender Arthur Theate kept it simple:
⚡ "We are very happy to have him back. He's an important player."
No lectures. No drama. Just teammates having a teammate's back.
He posted a message that hit different:
"Shireen and Praise are doing great, and my heart is full of gratitude. Welcoming my son into the world is one of the greatest blessings God has ever given me."
Then the kicker:
"Now it's time to get back to football and represent my country on the biggest stage."
Belgium vs New Zealand in Vancouver.
Win and they advance.
Slip up and a generation of golden Belgian football could exit in the group stage. Again.
And leading the charge?
A 24-year-old winger who just became a father… and reminded a whole sport what actually matters.
Football is the biggest stage in the world.
But some moments are bigger.
That's all for now!
