Doku's Heartfelt Decision and the Stir it Caused
Jeremy Doku, the dynamic winger for Manchester City, recently stepped away from Belgium's World Cup camp to be present for the birth of his first child, son Praise, in the UK. This personal decision, while met with overwhelming support from many, also sparked an unexpected wave of debate regarding paternity leave in professional men's football.
Doku's temporary departure meant he missed Belgium's goalless draw against Iran, having previously played a significant role in their opening 1-1 match against Egypt in Group G. Initially, his absence was attributed to illness, but it was soon revealed he had flown back to witness his son's arrival.
The controversy truly erupted when a French media personality, France Pierron, publicly criticized Doku's choice, controversially claiming a father is "completely useless" during childbirth, which she labeled a "disgusting moment." This statement quickly drew widespread condemnation, prompting L'Equipe, the channel she worked for, to issue an apology and suspend her from her show. Pierron also offered her own apology.
A Unified Stance: Family Over Football
The football community, alongside various organizations, rallied in support of Doku's decision. England striker Ollie Watkins, a father of two, strongly backed Doku, emphasizing the irreplaceable nature of witnessing a child's birth. "It only happens once – welcoming your first child to the world – and it is a blessing," Watkins stated, acknowledging the sacrifices players make during the season.
The Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) also weighed in, highlighting the importance of supporting players through significant life events. A spokesperson for the PFA remarked, "Supporting players as people, not just athletes, is an important part of creating a healthy professional working environment."
Jeremy Davies, deputy chief executive of the Fatherhood Institute, drew a powerful parallel, suggesting that public perception often treats athletes "like gladiators in the Colosseum," expected to perform for entertainment regardless of personal milestones. He stressed that some things hold far greater value than financial gain or sporting commitments.
The Unwritten Rules: Paternity in Professional Sport
While FIFA regulations mandate a minimum of 14 weeks of paid maternity leave for female footballers, with eight weeks post-birth, there are no explicit stipulations for paternity leave in the men's game. This leaves male players and managers to navigate these deeply personal situations within the often-unforgiving schedule of elite sport.
Many have made the choice to prioritize family, setting precedents for current and future generations. In 2018, Fabian Delph left England's World Cup camp in Russia for his daughter's birth. Similarly, David Silva missed Manchester City matches due to the premature arrival of his son that same year, and former Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea was granted extended leave during the Covid pandemic for his daughter's birth in 2021.
However, the demanding nature of sports means not everyone can be present. Norway defender Leo Ostigard and Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves both witnessed their children's births via video calls while on international duty or stuck due to travel restrictions, underscoring the tough choices athletes face.
Thomas Frank, a former manager and current pundit, encapsulates this sentiment perfectly: "Football is the most important of not important things – so it is not important at a time like this." He consistently advises his players to be present for their children's births, believing a player will return "absolutely on top of the world" after such an experience.
Beyond Football: Paternity Across Sports
This discussion isn't limited to football. Cricketer Jamie Smith missed an England Test match for his daughter's birth. NBA star Anthony Edwards famously left a game at halftime in 2024 to attend his daughter's arrival. Even British tennis legend Sir Andy Murray declared in 2016 he would prioritize his wife Kim's labor over the Australian Open final if necessary.
Conversely, darts player Rob Cross missed his third child's birth in 2017 to secure qualification for a major tournament, illustrating the varied approaches and pressures across different sports.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: Why did Jeremy Doku leave the World Cup?
A: Jeremy Doku temporarily left the Belgium World Cup camp to be present for the birth of his first child, a son named Praise, in the United Kingdom. - Q: Did Doku's decision cause controversy?
A: Yes, a French media presenter criticized his decision, leading to public outcry and her subsequent suspension, though widespread support for Doku was also expressed. - Q: What is FIFA's stance on paternity leave for male players?
A: While FIFA has clear regulations for maternity leave in women's football, there are no specific official stipulations for paternity leave in the men's game, leaving it to national teams and clubs to manage. - Q: Have other athletes missed games for childbirth?
A: Yes, many athletes across various sports, including football (Fabian Delph, David Silva), cricket (Jamie Smith), NBA (Anthony Edwards), and tennis (Andy Murray), have either left competitions or stated their intention to do so to attend childbirth. - Q: How does the Fatherhood Institute view Doku's choice?
A: The Fatherhood Institute strongly supported Doku, emphasizing that athletes are not merely entertainers but individuals with significant family responsibilities and milestones that should be prioritized.