"The dad is useless." That's what French TV host France Pierron said on air about Jérémy Doku leaving the World Cup to be present for the birth of his first child. She's since apologized. The internet has not forgotten.
Pierron made the comments on L'Equipe de Choc last Friday, describing childbirth as "a disgusting moment" where the father's presence is unnecessary. The backlash was swift and loud enough that by Tuesday she'd posted an apology on X, acknowledging that her remarks "may have shocked, offended, or hurt some." Her employer, French sports daily L'Equipe, issued its own statement disavowing the comments entirely and apologizing directly to Doku.
Doku made the right call — and Belgium knew it
Doku had already missed Belgium's 0-0 draw with Iran on Sunday due to a respiratory illness, so he was cleared to fly to London. He arrived in time. His son, Praise, was born. He posted a message of gratitude and confirmed he was heading straight back to join the squad.
"Welcoming my son into the world is one of the greatest blessings God has ever given me," Doku wrote. "Now it's time to get back to football and represent my country on the biggest stage."
Belgium captain Youri Tielemans backed him without hesitation. "Being there as a dad — I have three children and those are memories you can't take back." Hard to argue with that.
The timing matters beyond the personal story. Belgium have drawn both their opening games and face New Zealand on Friday at BC Place, a result that could decide whether they reach the knockout rounds. Doku — one of their most direct attacking threats — will almost certainly be in the squad. His availability, or lack thereof, shifts the odds on a match Belgium really cannot afford to draw again.
The story ended well for Doku. Shireen and Praise are doing great, and he's back with the team. For Pierron, the apology closes the chapter professionally, even if the clip will follow her for a while longer.
