How football united behind Doku after childbirth criticism
How football united behind Doku after – Jeremy Doku’s decision to prioritize family over football has sparked a wave of solidarity across the sport, following a contentious remark from French media personality France Pierron. The Manchester City winger, who joined the club from Rennes in 2023 for a reported £55.4 million transfer, is set to become a father next month. His commitment to being present for the birth of his first child has drawn both praise and criticism, with the Belgian national team and football fans globally rallying to his side after Pierron’s comments.
A Divided Moment
France Pierron, a well-known presenter on L’Equipe’s channel, took to air to criticize Doku’s choice to miss Belgium’s World Cup matches. She described the moment of a child’s birth as “disgusting” and claimed a father would be “completely useless” during that time. The statement, while brief, ignited a firestorm of debate. Within hours, L’Equipe issued an apology, distancing itself from Pierron’s words and stating her comments were “very far removed” from the values the organization aims to uphold. Pierron herself followed suit, expressing regret for her remarks and reportedly stepping down from her presenting duties for the week.
“If you ask me what I want, my answer is that nobody wants to miss the birth of their first child.” — Jeremy Doku
Doku’s stance on family life has resonated deeply within the football community. At just 24 years old, he emphasized the emotional significance of the event, stating that it is a moment worth cherishing above all else. “But I also know that football involves many other considerations,” he added, acknowledging the pressures of professional play. His words have been echoed by players and coaches who recognize the personal sacrifices required in the sport.
Support from Within the Game
Several figures in football have publicly backed Doku’s decision. England forward Ollie Watkins, a father of two, shared his own perspective on the matter. “I think someone labelled it disgusting, and I think for a start, that’s not a way to label a birth,” he said. Watkins recounted the smooth process of his wife’s childbirth and highlighted the challenges of being away from loved ones during the season. “It only happens once—welcoming your first child to the world,” he explained. “It’s a blessing. To miss that would be tough, and I see where he’s coming from.”
The Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) also voiced its support, stressing that players should not be forced to sacrifice essential family moments for their careers. A PFA spokesperson stated, “While every situation is different, we believe players should be supported in balancing their professional responsibilities with important life events.” This sentiment aligns with the broader push for player welfare, emphasizing that footballers are people, not just athletes, and should be treated as such.
“It makes me think of gladiators in the Colosseum. We want these men to be these heroic figures who exist for our entertainment.” — Jeremy Davies, Deputy Chief Executive of the Fatherhood Institute
The Fatherhood Institute, an organization dedicated to empowering men in parenting roles, joined the chorus of support. Jeremy Davies likened Doku’s choice to the image of ancient gladiators, suggesting that while players are celebrated for their dedication, they also deserve to be present for life’s most meaningful milestones. “They get paid lots of money, but there are some things that are worth a lot more,” Davies noted, highlighting the cultural expectation placed on athletes to prioritize their careers over personal moments.
The Reality of Football’s Demands
FIFA regulations provide some clarity for female players, stipulating a minimum of 14 weeks of paid maternity leave—eight of which must occur after the birth. However, men’s football lacks similar formal guidelines, leaving players to navigate their responsibilities without clear policy support. This absence has led to varied approaches, with some clubs and managers going above and beyond to accommodate personal needs.
One notable example is a top-flight European club that arranged for a car to be on standby outside the stadium for a player whose partner was due to give birth soon. Another instance involved a manager who opted to miss a match to be with his wife during the birth of their second child. Instead of being in the dugout, he watched the game on television and relayed instructions to his coaching staff via a headset. “I was on the earpiece to the bench, and 10 minutes into the game, she started getting labour pains,” the manager shared. “We were 2-1 up at half-time, but she was getting more into labour. I called the hospital to say we were coming in, but had to stop because we got a penalty.”
Despite the victory, the manager was unable to be present for the birth, which occurred two hours later. “The game doesn’t stop,” he admitted, noting that the pressure to perform often overshadows personal milestones. This experience underscores the challenges faced by male footballers in balancing their professional lives with family events, even when they are willing to make sacrifices.
Legacy of Family Prioritization
Doku’s choice is not unique in the world of football. In 2018, Fabian Delph left England’s World Cup squad in Russia to return to the UK for the birth of his daughter. Similarly, David Silva missed two Manchester City matches after his son was born prematurely, while former Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea received extended leave during the pandemic when his partner gave birth to their daughter. These instances reflect a growing trend of players valuing family time, even when it means stepping away from the spotlight.
However, not all players have been as fortunate. Just this weekend, Norway defender Leo Ostigard watched his son’s birth on FaceTime, unable to be physically present due to scheduling conflicts. His situation, though different from Doku’s, highlights the ongoing debate about the expectations placed on athletes to be available at all times. While some are celebrated for their sacrifices, others face criticism for missing key moments, raising questions about the fairness of football’s demands.
The backlash against Pierron’s comments has become a catalyst for broader discussions about gender roles in sports. Football, often seen as a male-dominated field, is now embracing a more inclusive narrative that recognizes the importance of family in a player’s life. Doku’s decision has not only united fans but also encouraged a reevaluation of how the sport supports its athletes during personal milestones. As the World Cup progresses, his actions may serve as a reminder that football’s legacy extends beyond the pitch, encompassing the lives of those who stand behind its stars.
With the Belgian team’s journey still unfolding, Doku’s choice to be present for his child’s birth has become a symbol of balance in a demanding profession. His words, along with the support from teammates and organizations, underscore a collective effort to redefine what it means to be a footballer in the modern era. Whether or not he misses a quarter-final, the sentiment is clear: family should not be sidelined in the pursuit of victory, even in the most high-stakes moments of the game.
