Jeremy Doku's plan to leave Belgium's World Cup camp for the birth of his first child has ignited a fierce debate.
What sparked the controversy?
A French reporter, France Pierron, criticized Doku's decision, asking if he would "throw it all away" to attend his child's birth.
Pierron's comments sparked a swift backlash, with fans labeling her a "Karen" and accusing her of reducing a once-in-a-lifetime family moment to a sporting inconvenience.
Why it matters for Jeremy Doku
Doku's child is due in the second week of July, and he has already missed one match through illness.
He played 86 minutes in Belgium's 1-1 draw with Egypt, and his availability is crucial for the team's World Cup campaign.
What comes next?
Former Olympic boxing champion Brahim Asloum has backed Doku's decision, making clear that this debate is no longer just about football.
Doku's fans have also rallied around him, with one writing: "I'm on the side of being there for your child's birth. The World Cup is huge. The birth of your child is bigger."
And many have questioned the outrage, with another fan saying: "I don’t get why these reporters think they have a say on a footballer's personal life."
But Pierron later apologized, saying she did not intend to minimize the role of fathers.
So the debate continues, with Doku's decision sparking a wider conversation about family and football.
The birth of his child is a once-in-a-lifetime moment, and Doku is determined to be there.
As one fan put it: "Someone needs to sit her down and explain to her like a 5-year-old what MOMENTS mean in a person’s life."
Doku's decision has been praised by many, with some calling him a "real man" for prioritizing his family.
And with the World Cup in full swing, the debate is sure to continue.
But for now, Doku remains focused on his family and his football, and his fans are backing him every step of the way.