A Player Wants to Be There for His Child’s Birth – So Why the Backlash?

Jeremy Doku, a promising young footballer, has asked to leave his national team to be with his partner when she gives birth to their first child. To many people, this sounds like a simple and understandable request. But in the world of men’s professional football, it has sparked a heated debate. Some fans and experts argue that a player’s duty to his team should come first—even during such a major life event. Others say that being present for the birth of a child is a basic human right, and that football culture needs to change.

Why Some People Think the Team Should Come First

In high-stakes tournaments like the World Cup, every player matters. Coaches and teammates rely on each other to be fully focused and available. When a key player flies home for childbirth, even for a day or two, it can disrupt training, tactics, and team morale. Critics argue that professional athletes sign contracts that demand total commitment—and that childbirth, while important, is not an emergency that requires the player to leave. They worry that allowing such absences could set a precedent where players prioritize personal events over team goals.

• Team dynamics: Last-minute changes to the squad can weaken the lineup.
• Competitive edge: Opponents won’t make similar allowances.
• Tradition: For decades, players have stayed with their teams during tournaments, no matter what.

Why Many Believe Family Should Always Win

On the other side of the debate, supporters of players like Doku point out that childbirth is a once-in-a-life moment. They argue that modern football should reflect modern values—where being a present father matters as much as being a dedicated athlete. Psychology experts note that players who miss such life events often feel regret or resentment, which can hurt their performance in the long run. Several top leagues and clubs have already started allowing paternity leave for other sports, and many believe men’s football should follow suit. After all, no one would question a player leaving for a funeral or a serious family illness.

• Emotional health: Being present reduces stress and builds stronger family bonds.
• Changing norms: Society now expects fathers to share parenting responsibilities.
• Fairness: Women’s football already handles pregnancy and childbirth with more flexibility.

Where Do We Go From Here? The Future of Football and Fatherhood

The debate over players attending childbirth isn’t going away. As more young athletes become fathers, this will become a regular issue for teams, leagues, and national associations. Some experts suggest creating clear policies: set a maximum number of days off for childbirth, replace the player temporarily, or allow remote communication with the team. The key is finding a balance that respects both the sport and the person. For now, Jeremy Doku’s situation highlights a bigger question: should football change to fit modern family life? Many fans, players, and coaches hope it does.

Ultimately, the choice to be at a child’s birth should not be controversial. The real debate is about how football can adapt without losing its competitive spirit. And for the thousands of future players and parents, getting that balance right could mean a better, more humane game for everyone.