“I definitely want to be there”
Belgium’s superstar faces baby dilemma
June 21, 2026 – 3:07 p.mReading time: 2 minutes
After the opening draw against Egypt, Belgium is under pressure. However, one of the most important players also has important private issues at the moment.
Belgium is fighting at the WM for a place in the knockout round. For Jérémy Doku, in addition to sport, there is another topic in focus: the offensive player of Manchester City Lyannda Raymond is expecting his first child with his wife Shireen Erin. This is exactly what has now sparked a heated debate.
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The 24-year-old announced that he wanted to be there at the birth. At the press conference before the second group game against Iran, Doku was clear: “It depends on when it happens, but it’s my first child, so I definitely want to be there.”
“Nobody wants to miss the birth of their first child”
The expected birth date is in the second week of July and therefore around the quarter-finals. Theoretically, birth could begin at any time. Doku would then have to decide whether he would stay at the World Cup or travel to the birth of his child. It is clear to the Belgian that he does not want to leave his wife, who lives in England, alone.
Doku continued: “If you ask me what I want, then my answer is: Nobody wants to miss the birth of their first child. But I also know that there are other considerations to take into account in football. I know that the association supports its players and understands the situation. We will see what we can do.” Belgian media report that the association would even provide him with a private plane in this case.
In Belgium, the topic is no longer just discussed in sports. The French journalist France Pierron clearly criticized Doku’s stance: “You have the chance to take part in one World Cup to participate – there are hundreds of players who would kill for it. At birth you only appear in a supporting role.” The statement immediately sparked backlash on social networks.
Another Belgian is becoming a father
In Belgium the term “most hated baby in the nation” was even used. A journalist wrote in the newspaper “Nieuwsblad”: “Can Doku shake his wife’s hand digitally?”
