Jérémy Doku had a decision most footballers never have to make in the middle of a World Cup: stay with Belgium's squad, or fly home for the birth of his first child. He chose his family.
The Manchester City winger briefly left Belgium's camp in June to be at his wife Shireen's side in England for the birth of their son, missing time with the squad during the group stage. The decision drew public criticism, including from a French broadcaster who called the move "outrageous." Doku didn't back down.
"Welcoming my son into the world is one of the greatest blessings God has ever given me," he wrote after his son, Praise, was born. Belgium's national team welcomed him back to camp with a caption of their own: "Back in camp after the most important assist of his life."
Doku, who was baptized in September 2025, has been open about his faith throughout the tournament, including leading an online Bible study with teammates before the World Cup began. Fellow players like England's Ollie Watkins publicly backed his decision to prioritize his family.
That faith was on full display again after Belgium's 4-1 win over co-host USMNT on July 6, sending the team into the quarterfinals.
Doku marked the moment on Instagram with a photo of the squad celebrating together, captioned with a verse from Psalms: "I will praise the Lord at all times. I will constantly speak his praises."
He added: "Quarter-finals Proud of the team. We keep believing, we keep fighting"
Belgium now faces Spain on Friday, July 10, in Los Angeles, with Doku back in the squad and hoping for his shot on the biggest stage.
