Belgium winger Jérémy Doku has become a father for the first time, welcoming a daughter with his partner, just days after being dropped from the national team's World Cup squad amid a controversy over his refusal to play.
Doku's Daughter Born Amid World Cup Turmoil
Doku's partner gave birth to a healthy baby girl on Tuesday, the player's representatives confirmed. The news comes after a turbulent period for the 24-year-old, who was left out of Belgium's squad for their crucial World Cup match against Canada after reportedly refusing to come on as a substitute in the previous game.
According to sources close to the player, Doku had been struggling with personal issues related to his partner's pregnancy and had requested to be left out of the squad to be with her. However, the Belgian football federation (RBFA) denied that Doku had been given permission to miss the match, leading to a public dispute.
Controversy Over Refusal to Play
The controversy erupted after Belgium's 1-0 defeat to Morocco, when it emerged that Doku had refused to come on as a substitute in the second half. Coach Domenico Tedesco confirmed after the match that Doku had been dropped for disciplinary reasons, stating: "Jérémy made a decision that I cannot accept. We are a team, and everyone must be ready to contribute when called upon."
Doku's representatives later issued a statement saying the player had been under significant stress due to his partner's pregnancy and had not felt mentally prepared to play. "Jérémy has always given his all for Belgium, but he is also a human being with personal responsibilities," the statement read.
Reaction from Teammates and Fans
The incident has divided opinion among Belgian fans and pundits. Some have criticized Doku for prioritizing his personal life over national duty, while others have expressed sympathy for his situation. Belgium midfielder Kevin De Bruyne said: "We support Jérémy as a teammate and as a person. It's a difficult time for him, and we respect his decision."
Fans have taken to social media to express their views, with many offering congratulations on the birth of his daughter while also urging him to resolve the dispute with the coach. The hashtag #DokuDaddy has trended in Belgium, reflecting a mix of support and criticism.
Impact on Belgium's World Cup Campaign
Doku's absence has been felt on the pitch, as Belgium struggled to create chances in their 1-1 draw with Canada. The team now faces a must-win match against Croatia to advance to the knockout stages. Tedesco has not ruled out a return for Doku, saying: "The door is open for Jérémy if he is ready to commit to the team."
Doku's daughter, named Lia, was born in a Brussels hospital on Tuesday. The player is expected to take paternity leave before returning to training with his club, Manchester City, ahead of the new Premier League season.
