French journalist France Pierron has found herself at the center of a heated debate after criticizing Belgian winger Jérémy Doku for leaving Belgium’s World Cup camp to be present for the birth of his son.
Yes, you read that right. A footballer wants to witness the birth of his child, and somehow, the internet still found a way to turn it into a debate.
This is what Pierron had to say:
“Are you seriously telling me these players have sacrificed everything to come to the World Cup, and you’re leaving just to cut an umbilical cord?
You’re lucky enough to play in a World Cup. It’s an incredible privilege, and hundreds of footballers would do anything to be in your position. That opportunity might never come around again in your life.
And you’re going to throw it all away just to attend your child’s birth?
It’s a moment where the father isn’t really needed. He has a symbolic role. You hold her hand and take a photo. And then what?
You’re going to miss 10 hours, experience an emotional high, and be exhausted afterwards. You can’t miss a World Cup.
Some people may have gone into debt just to get to the World Cup, maybe sacrificed everything to be there, and you’re leaving to cut an umbilical cord…”
Doku himself has not publicly engaged in the noise, which is probably the most composed response possible in a situation like this. After all, there is not much to argue when the subject is “went to see my child be born.”
Still, the debate continues.
Supporters of Doku’s decision called it exactly what it is: a once-in-a-lifetime event that no trophy, match, or tournament can replace.
The comment section, as expected, did not find middle ground. It sprinted past it and kept going.
L’Equipe journalist France Pierron was suspended from work after criticizing Belgian national team and English “Manchester City” footballer Jeremy Doku, who would like to leave the team’s camp at the 2026 World Cup to be present at his wife’s childbirth, reports UNN.
As for Pierron, her remarks have kept her trending across sports media, with fans dissecting her stance from every possible angle. Some see it as tough sports analysis, others see it as an unnecessary critique of a very human moment.
Either way, the situation has turned into yet another reminder that modern football commentary rarely stays about football for long.
