Kristen Gyles | The footballer dad

“Belgium’s Jeremy Doku plans to leave World Cup for birth of child”

This was one of the many headlines that started popping up within the sports media landscape last Sunday, on Father's Day. Doku is one of Belgium’s star players and he made it clear to reporters that he plans on leaving the World Cup to go back home in London for the birth of his first child. He expected the birth to happen during the second week of July, during the World Cup quarterfinals. 

For some reason, his decision was controversial.

One sports journalist got suspended from her show after she made a scathing criticism of Doku over his decision:

“You have to realize that it's truly a privilege to participate in a World Cup. It's an incredible joy. There are hundreds of footballers who would kill to be in your place. It might never happen again in your life. It's truly a special moment - a childhood dream come true… and you're going to leave all that to be present for the birth of your child, which is a disgusting moment, excuse my language, where the father is useless. He's just an extra.”

The journalist’s name is France Pierron. She is a television presenter for a prominent French sports TV channel. Although her comments were made on Friday, it wasn't until Sunday, on Father's Day, ironically, that this controversy emerged. Many people were rightly concerned that a woman, especially, would be harboring and spouting views so backward. Others didn't and still don't see where she went wrong in her comments. However, after considerable backlash from irate football fans, she issued an apology on social media stating that her intention was never to minimize the place or role of fathers.

Fathers matter at all stages in a child's life. And fathers matter in the lives of the mothers of their children. A mother was never intended to carry the weight of pregnancy, childbirth or child rearing alone. The notion that a father is useless at the birth of his child is unfortunate. The support that he gives to the birthing mother is stabilizing, comforting and can in some cases be lifesaving. In numerous cases, it is the father’s advocacy during delivery that helps to protect the mother and baby from unwanted medical interventions or complications due to medical oversight. But beyond all that he can do and be for the mother of his child, why should a man not want to be present for the birth of any of his children?

Now, Pierron would probably agree that childbirth is an extraordinary moment - just not as extraordinary as a World Cup match. And again, this is a disappointing perspective. Life, even for a footballer, cannot and should not simply revolve around career. If, God forbid, Doku bites the dust tomorrow, the Belgium national football team will simply replace him. They may suffer for a bit, but they will find their footing, and in the next four years, they will seek to make it into the World Cup, again, with or without him. But can you guess who will never be able to replace Doku? His family.

If you don't believe me, ask any of the countless boys and girls who spent Father's Day having no one to call, or almost as bad, having no one they wanted to call. A father cannot be replaced, just like a mother cannot be replaced. Before an individual becomes a parent, they should understand this. Fortunately, Doku did.

The good thing is that the life-sucking culture that idolizes career and profession at the expense of family life, is dying. On Tuesday, when Doku was returning to the Belgium football camp, the manager of the French football team, Didier Deschamps, started making preparations to leave the World Cup to attend the funeral for his mother who died that same day. Deschamps is expected to miss France’s last group stage match. His circumstances are more than unfortunate, but they are also indicative of the fact that in 2026, there is a general realization that, well, even footballers are human and have families… which matter more than football.

Doku’s story has a happy ending.

His baby son, Praise, was born on Monday, and Doku made it in time to be there. By Tuesday, he was back with his team, preparing for their next match.

Although Doku missed Belgium’s match against Iran on Sunday, it appears he was absent, because he was dealing with a respiratory illness. Fortunately, however, he got clearance to fly back to London that same day to see his wife. So, in the end, it doesn’t seem Doku missed any matches solely on account of his wife’s delivery. 

One thing is certain, and it is that Doku’s little man will grow up knowing he means the World Cup and more to his dad. Priceless.

Kristen Gyles is a free-thinking public affairs opinionator. Send feedback to kristengyles@gmail.com and columns@gleanerjm.com