Football’s United Front: Supporting Doku’s Parental Choice
Doku’s Family Focus
Manchester City’s Jeremy Doku, a £55.4m signing from Rennes, is set to become a father next month. He’s made it clear that he wants to be present for the birth, even if it means leaving the Belgium World Cup camp.
This stance sparked a backlash from L’Equipe channel presenter France Pierron, who controversially stated that fathers are “completely useless” during childbirth, calling it a “disgusting moment.”
A Unified Response
The football world, however, stood united in support of Doku. L’Equipe swiftly apologized, distancing themselves from Pierron’s remarks, who also issued an apology. Reports suggest she will not present her show on Monday.
Doku, who played 86 minutes in Belgium’s 1-1 draw with Egypt, missed the subsequent 0-0 draw with Iran due to illness. His wife, Shireen, is due to give birth during the second week of July, potentially coinciding with a quarter-final match if Belgium advances.
Doku, 24, told Reuters, “Nobody wants to miss the birth of their first child.” He acknowledged the complexities of balancing football commitments with personal milestones, expressing confidence in the Belgian federation’s support for its players.
A Broader Perspective
The Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) emphasized the importance of supporting players in managing professional duties and significant life events. They advocate for a healthy working environment that values players as people, not just athletes.
The Fatherhood Institute, dedicated to promoting hands-on fatherhood, also voiced support for Doku. Deputy Chief Executive Jeremy Davies likened the situation to gladiators in the Colosseum, where the demands of entertainment can overshadow personal milestones.
FIFA regulations mandate a minimum 14-week maternity leave for female footballers, with eight weeks post-birth. However, there is no specific paternity leave policy for male players, leaving them to navigate their responsibilities without clear guidelines.
Balancing Football and Family
Balancing football and family commitments can be challenging. One club had a car on standby for a player whose partner was due, while a top-flight European manager watched a game on TV and relayed instructions to his staff during his wife’s labor.
Doku’s situation is not unique. Fabian Delph left England’s 2018 World Cup camp for his daughter’s birth, while David Silva missed Manchester City matches after his son’s premature arrival in 2018. David de Gea, too, received extended leave during the pandemic for his daughter’s birth in 2021.
However, not all players have been present for their children’s births. Norway’s Leo Ostigard watched his son’s birth on FaceTime during the World Cup, and Ruben Neves witnessed his third child’s birth via phone after a match in 2021.
The debate extends beyond football. Cricketer Jamie Smith missed an England Test match for his daughter’s birth, while Sir James Anderson flew back from Ashes Tests in Australia for his second child’s birth in 2010. Basketball’s Anthony Edwards left a game at halftime for his daughter’s birth in 2024, and tennis star Sir Andy Murray considered leaving the Australian Open early for his wife’s labor in 2016.
The discussion highlights the importance of supporting athletes in balancing their professional and personal lives, ensuring that family milestones are not overshadowed by sporting commitments.