Belgium don crash out of 2026 World Cup after 2-1 defeat to Spain for quarter-final, and Manchester City winger Jeremy Doku don receive heavy criticism from Belgian media for im performance throughout the tournament.
Doku, wey be 24 years old, start the match against Spain but no record any goal or assist for the whole competition. According to outlet 7sur7, im performance na ‘disappointing’ and dem give am rating of four, wey be joint-worst for the team.
Di article tok say: ‘Unfortunately, his performance throughout the tournament was disappointing. He certainly wasn’t lacking in effort, but his dribbling skills once again proved fruitless. He was also caught out of position for the first goal.’
However, some statistics show say Doku no perform too bad against Spain. He complete five dribbles, create one chance, complete 79 percent of im passes, and win 11 ground duels. But he no get any shot and commit three fouls.
Meanwhile, off the pitch, Doku make headlines earlier for im decision to leave Belgium training camp for the birth of im first child with wife Shireen Doku. Shireen, wey be aesthetician for United Kingdom and six years older than Jeremy, born di boy wey dem name Praise for London.
Di decision spark international media storm, with French commentator France Pierron criticize am for L’Equipe de Choc, saying: ‘This outrages me. When you are lucky enough to appear at a World Cup, there are hundreds of footballers who would kill to be in your place. It’s a unique moment, a childhood dream come true. And you’re going to walk away from that to be at the birth of your child? I’m sorry, the father serves no purpose. He is an extra.’
But Pierron later apologize after backlash, and L’Equipe issue formal statement saying her comments no represent di organization values. Her show later suspend.
Belgium captain Youri Tielemans support Doku, telling reporters: ‘I think having a child is the most beautiful thing in the world that you can have, and being there, it’s more than normal as a dad. For myself, I have three and it’s memories you can’t take back. So, yeah, very happy for him.’
Doku and Shireen get deep Christian faith, and dem baptize together on September 15, 2025, one day after Manchester City 3-0 derby win over Manchester United. Doku say: ‘If I can be honest, this was for me already a victory. Why? Because I knew that after the game I’m going to be baptized. Maybe that’s why I felt like I was pushed. That’s why I’m very happy with the performance as well.’
Di couple marry in October 2025, with Shireen wear white floral lace gown with Victorian-inspired mock high neck. Dem share wedding photo for Instagram with Bible verse.
As Belgium return to Europe, Doku go now focus on Man City for 2026-27 season, where im hope to put dis World Cup disappointment behind am.
