Manchester City and Belgium star Jeremy Doku is opening up like never before, revealing how faith-not football-became the defining story of his 2026 World Cup.
In a deeply personal mini-documentary released Sunday, the 24-year-old winger reflected on a tournament marked by injury, criticism, and one life-changing decision: leaving Belgium's World Cup camp to be present for the birth of his son, Praise.
Far from regretting that choice, Doku now believes it was part of God's plan.
"I don't believe in coincidences," he said. "For me, coincidence is a thief of glory that belongs to God."
Doku revealed that a calf strain and breathing issues initially threatened to keep him out of action. But looking back, he sees the setback differently.
"I believe the Lord used the injury for His favor," he explained, saying it allowed him to return to the UK just in time as his wife, Shireen, went into labor.
His decision sparked fierce debate during the tournament, with some questioning whether he should have remained with the national team. One journalist even suggested fathers were "completely useless" during childbirth-a remark that led to her suspension.
Rather than responding with anger, Doku offered grace.
He said he prayed the journalist would one day "experience the love Jesus has for us."
The Belgian international also spoke about a remarkable movement of Christian players at the World Cup, describing athletes from multiple nations gathering before the tournament with one shared purpose: to make Christ known.
"We wanted to show there is a King above all kings and that He must be glorified," Doku said, adding that he hopes the public displays of prayer and celebrations pointing to Jesus planted spiritual "seeds" around the world.
Although he entered the tournament hoping to shine through goals and performances, Doku admitted God had a different assignment.
"Sometimes our ambition stands in the way of what the Lord wants us to do," he reflected. "I thought I would be the guy that scores goals and point the glory to Him. That was not what happened."
Instead, he believes his greatest testimony came away from the pitch.
"In the kingdom of heaven, it's Jesus first, then family, then football and the rest," he said. "My witness outside the pitch was even louder than my witness on the pitch."
Doku also warned against treating God as a means to personal success.
"If you're not careful, you'll start to seek His hand instead of seeking His face," he said.
When asked what he hopes for his son as he grows older, Doku's answer was simple and heartfelt:
"I pray that he will serve the Lord with his whole heart."
For Doku, the 2026 World Cup may not have unfolded according to his footballing ambitions-but he believes it accomplished something far greater than goals or headlines.
