A television presenter has apologized after telling Manchester City winger Jeremy Doku that his newborn baby can wait, because the World Cup cannot.
The controversy started on Friday during a debate on French sports channel L’Equipe.
Journalist, France Pierron strongly criticized Doku’s decision to temporarily leave the 2026 World Cup to be present for the birth of his first child.
Her argument was simple, the World Cup is too rare, too precious, too once-in-a-lifetime to walk away from, even briefly.
“You have to realise that it’s truly a privilege to participate in a World Cup,” Pierron said on air. “It’s an incredible joy. There are hundreds of footballers who would kill to be in your place.
“It might never happen again in your life. It’s truly a special moment, a childhood dream come true.”
Then came the line that set the internet on fire.
“And you’re going to leave all that to be present for the birth of your child? You’re going to take a 10-hour flight, exhaust yourself, go through the wringer emotionally. How can you return to play after that? The baby will always be there.”
The baby will always be there. Five words that triggered a firestorm
The response online was immediate and overwhelming.
Fans, former players and public figures from across the world lined up to defend Doku, pointing out that a father missing the birth of his child is not a sacrifice football should ever demand.
Also read: “THE GOAT DEBATE OVER?” – Messi Becomes World Cup’s Greatest Ever Goalscorer
The backlash was so fierce that by Saturday, Pierron had no choice but to respond.
“I was expressing a personal opinion, within the context of a contentious exchange,” she said on X.
“I understand that they may have shocked, hurt or wounded some of you, and I am sorry for that. My intention has never been to minimize the place or role of fathers with their partner and their child.”
Doku, who will miss Belgium’s match against Iran due to illness, has made clear he plans to return home for the birth regardless of whether Belgium are still in the tournament.
Nobody in the Belgium camp has criticized the decision. His teammates understand. His coach understands.
Football matters. Family matters more. Jeremy Doku already knows which one wins, and no amount of television debate is going to change that.
