Ollie Watkins responds to criticism of Jeremy Doku’s plan to leave the World Cup camp to attend the birth of his first child.
Doku’s wife Shireen is due to give birth during the second week of July, with a plan put in place for the footballer to leave USA and return home even if the Belgium reach the the quarter-finals.
Last week, Doku said to Reuters: “It’s my first child, so I would definitely want to be there.
“If you ask me what I want, my answer is that nobody wants to miss the birth of their first child. But I also know that football involves many other considerations.
“I know the federation supports its players and understands their situations. We’ll see what we can do.”
L’Equipe channel presenter France Pierron said during a debate: “You have to realise that it’s truly a privilege to participate in a World Cup, it’s an incredible joy. There are hundreds of footballers who would kill to be in your place; it might never happen again in your life. It’s truly a special moment, a childhood dream come true.
“And you’re going to leave all that to be present for the birth of your child?”
“I’m sorry, the father serves no purpose. He is an extra. He just holds your hand and takes a photo. You’re going to take a 10 hour flight, exhaust yourself, go through the wringer emotionally. How can you return to play after that? The baby will always be there.”
After backlash, she then apologised, issuing a statement on her Twitter: “I was expressing a personal opinion, within the context of a contentious exchange.
“I understand that they may have shocked, hurt, or wounded some of you, and I am sorry for that.
“My intention has never been to minimise the place or role of fathers with their partner and their child.”
Ollie Watkins backs Jeremy Doku after the Belgium winger faced criticism for wanting to leave the World Cup camp for the birth of his first child 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/ruQc21cHgz
— Sky Sports (@SkySports) June 22, 2026
Watkins said: “I saw that this morning actually, don’t know, no one in here asked the question did they?
“No, I was going to say because from my perspective I think he, someone labelled it disgusting and I think for a start that’s not a way to label a birth.
“Obviously I’ve seen what my wife had to go through in birth and that was quite smooth sailing but I know family members and friends that you know haven’t had it that way.
“Like he said, it only happens once. Your first child, welcoming them to the world is a blessing. And yeah, you don’t get that opportunity.
“There’s a lot of times where you’re away from family and friends m during the season and it’s very difficult periods.
“So to miss that would be tough. And I see where he’s coming from. I think he has all right to go back and be there.
“We’re very privileged men at the end of the day and I’m sure he will have a lot of support to be able to get back and get there as quickly as possible, make sure he’s there to support her and then fly back out.
“So I don’t think it’s anyone else’s business what he gets up to after training. And yeah, I think if he goes back and does that, I think that’s fair enough.
“I would want to do it. I’ve got two kids, like I said, and yeah, I don’t see the problem with it.”
🚨 L’ÉQUIPE TAKES ACTION. 😳🇫🇷
French broadcaster France Pierron has been taken off air with immediate effect following the backlash surrounding her comments about Jérémy Doku, according to journalist Clément Garin.
Pierron came under heavy criticism after describing childbirth… https://t.co/2cqr18lmXY pic.twitter.com/UoC56b3Ke2
— Football Tweet ⚽ (@Footballtweet) June 22, 2026
Here’s how fans reacted as Watkins responds to criticism of Doku’s plan to leave the World Cup camp to attend the birth of his first child…
@stewart_buick: Getting criticised for wanting to be at the birth of your child is absolutely fucking ridiculous. The birth of your own kid will always be more important than a game of football.
@CFCWires: always thought watkins was a top bloke and it’s cool having that constantly reinforced
@Emanxamilius_: Why on earth are they asking Watkins this question? He’s even really composed in how he’s answered that because my media training would have gone out the window answering one foolish question like that
@jessiehxsking: Ollie Watkins talking far too much sense here, full respect to him for this answer
@ClarkHistoryPol: Well said, Ollie. Proud to have you for so long at our wonderful club. #AVFC #UTV #FathersDay
@tcw_arsenal: I cannot believe this is even a talking point or a question and cannot believe Doku has faced criticism.
@AlCraig90: My wife gave birth to our 1st 9 days ago Henry and it was hellish for her. The thought of her doing that without me / alone isn’t worth thinking about. How this is even news is beyond me, family first every single time
@saddler_andy: Utter bollocks. I wouldn’t forgive myself if I’d not been holding my wife’s hand as she gave birth. Spent 18 hours of labour by her side, getting what she wanted. The most humbling moment of my life was holding my newborn, nothing else matters. Get all the way to fuck.
@SebOnFootball: Imagine criticising a person in literally any other industry for wanting a few days off to be there for the birth of their first child. Mental. Football fans forget these guys are human sometimes
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