\n\nEngland striker Ollie Watkins has defended Belgian winger Jérémy Doku following criticism over his decision to temporarily leave the 2026 FIFA World Cup to attend the birth of his first child.
The Manchester City winger is expecting the arrival of his baby with his wife in the second week of July, a period that could coincide with the World Cup quarter-finals if Belgium progresses that far in the tournament.
Doku’s decision has sparked debate among football supporters and analysts, with some questioning whether a player should step away from a major international competition at such a crucial stage.
However, Watkins, who is also a father, strongly criticised the backlash against the Belgian star, insisting that family moments such as the birth of a first child should be respected.
“A first child only happens once. Someone labelled his decision disgusting, and that is not the way to talk about a birth,” Watkins said.
The Aston Villa forward explained that he understands the importance of being present during childbirth after witnessing his own wife’s experience.
“I have seen what my wife has had to go through. A first child happens only once, and welcoming them is a blessing. I don’t think it is anyone else’s business,” he added.
Watkins’ comments come amid continued discussion over the balance between professional football commitments and players’ personal lives, particularly during major tournaments where national expectations are high.
The criticism against Doku reportedly led to further controversy after one commentator who described his decision as “disgusting” later reconsidered the remarks, while reports also emerged that a presenter involved in the debate had been suspended.
Doku has not indicated any change to his plans and remains focused on representing Belgium at the World Cup, with the possibility of briefly leaving the tournament depending on the team’s progress and the timing of the birth.
The debate has renewed conversations about the personal sacrifices made by elite athletes and whether players should be allowed to prioritize significant family milestones alongside their sporting careers.
