Doku sparks debate by prioritizing childbirth over World Cup duty

Jérémy Doku’s decision to leave the 2026 FIFA World Cup if his partner goes into labour has reignited a debate over footballers’ priorities during elite tournaments, after France Pierron of *L’Équipe* dismissed the move as “unreal” and argued that men are “useless” during childbirth. The Belgian forward’s stance, reported on Saturday, 20 June 2026, underscores the tension between professional obligations and personal milestones in modern sport.

Doku’s partner is due to give birth imminently, and the 24-year-old winger has made clear he will request temporary leave from the Belgian squad if the birth coincides with the tournament. Pierron, a prominent French sports journalist, criticised the proposal in a column published the same day, writing that the World Cup is a “once-in-a-lifetime moment” and that men play no meaningful role during labour. “It’s unreal,” she wrote, framing Doku’s stance as anachronistic and self-indulgent.

The controversy arrives as other stars navigate similar personal pressures. Norway’s Leo Skiri Østigård became a father via FaceTime during the group stage, while Luka Dončić of Slovenia cited fatherhood as the reason for skipping EuroBasket 2026, telling reporters in Ljubljana on Friday that his daughters are “the biggest reason” for his absence. Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo faced scrutiny after his partner publicly urged him to retire from international football, a plea reported by *Helsingin Sanomat* on Saturday.

The debate extends beyond individual choices. Ajax Amsterdam faces a scheduling clash next season, as the Johan Cruijff ArenA is booked for a Toppers concert on 28–29 May 2027—exactly when the club’s potential play-off matches would occur. The Dutch club confirmed on Saturday that it may again be forced to play away from home during critical fixtures, a logistical headache that has drawn criticism from supporters.

For Doku, the issue is not just about presence but principle. His willingness to prioritise family over football contrasts with Pierron’s assertion that elite athletes should subordinate personal life to sporting duty. The backlash—amplified by social media—highlights how expectations of players have evolved, even as the World Cup’s demands remain unrelenting. Whether Doku’s stance will sway his club or country remains uncertain, but the episode has already exposed fault lines in the modern game’s treatment of fatherhood and professional sacrifice.