MADRID, July 11 (Reuters) – Jérémy Doku left Belgium’s World Cup camp in June. He flew to England for his son’s birth. Critics called his commitment into question.
The 24-year-old Manchester City winger missed group-stage time. A French broadcaster publicly lambasted the decision. Teammates remained silent, but internal pressure mounted.
Doku returned to the squad. He then fell ill, limiting his playing time. Belgium scraped through to the quarterfinals against Spain. The team lacked its usual dynamism.
“I was weak,” Doku told JubileeCast after the round of 16 win. “But God gave me strength.” He credits divine intervention for his renewed focus since becoming a father.
Against Spain on Friday, Doku is expected to start. His speed and dribbling offer the X-factor Belgium desperately needs. Coach Domenico Tedesco confirmed Doku trained fully on Wednesday.
“He has a different energy now,” Tedesco said. “The birth changed him. He plays with more purpose.”
The hidden story
Doku’s wife Shireen gave birth to their son in early June, per Town&Country magazine. The couple married in a private ceremony last year. Doku has spoken openly about his Christian faith since the birth.
Behind the scenes, sources say his renewed energy lifted squad morale. “He came back smiling,” one team staffer said. “It reminded everyone what we’re fighting for.”
Belgium now faces Spain in the quarterfinals. Doku’s personal arc—from criticized absentee to praised father—mirrors the team’s own turnaround. They were written off after a sluggish group stage. Now they are one win from the semifinals.
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: Why did Jérémy Doku leave Belgium’s World Cup camp?
- A: Doku left the camp in June to fly to England for the birth of his son, which drew criticism from a French broadcaster and internal pressure from teammates.
- Q: How has fatherhood changed Doku’s performance?
- A: Doku credits divine intervention and fatherhood for renewed focus and energy, with coach Domenico Tedesco noting he plays with more purpose since the birth.
- Q: What role does Doku play in Belgium’s quarterfinal match against Spain?
- A: Doku is expected to start, offering speed and dribbling as an X-factor for Belgium, and his renewed energy has lifted squad morale according to team sources.
- Q: What is the hidden story behind Belgium’s turnaround?
- A: Behind the scenes, Doku’s personal arc from criticized absentee to praised father mirrors the team’s own recovery from a sluggish group stage to a quarterfinal run.
Extended Reading
Sources: JubileeCast interview (July 8, 2026); The Straits Times (July 10, 2026); Town&Country magazine (profile on Shireen Doku).