Belgium star Jeremy Doku has become a father after welcoming his first child with his wife in London, the Belgian Football Association has confirmed.
The couple welcomed a baby boy named Praise, days after Doku’s possible departure from Belgium’s FIFA World Cup camp to attend the birth sparked heated discussions.
According to the federation, the 24-year-old winger was granted permission to briefly leave the Red Devils camp after consulting with the team’s medical staff.
“Jeremy received the news before yesterday’s match that the birth was imminent,” Belgium team doctor Brahim Hacene said.
Doku had already been ruled out of Belgium’s goalless draw against Iran due to illness, making it possible for him to travel to London without affecting the team’s preparations.
“As he had already been receiving the appropriate medical treatment for several days, he was able to fly without any medical risk to be with his family during this very special moment,” Hacene explained.
“Mother, father, and baby are all doing wonderfully,” he added.
The Manchester City winger is expected to return to Belgium’s World Cup base in Seattle on Tuesday.
Before the tournament began, Doku had openly stated that he hoped to be present for the birth of his first child, a position that drew criticism from some quarters. Belgium, meanwhile, have drawn both of their opening matches at the World Cup.
