Manchester City and Belgium winger Jérémy Doku received an emotional welcome home from his wife after Belgium’s exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, even as unverified claims about the couple’s marriage continued to circulate online.
Popular Nigerian sports photojournalist and content creator Pooja shared photographs showing Doku being welcomed home with an elaborate surprise organised by his wife.
Posting the images, Pooja joked: “She will be glad Belgium crashed out.”
The homecoming display featured beige, cream, taupe and gold balloon arrangements surrounding two large arched panels.
One panel carried the message: “Welcome home papa. We missed you.”
The second panel displayed Jeremiah 29:11, which reads: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
A line-art illustration beneath the Bible verse showed a father carrying his baby while wearing a football shirt bearing “Papa” and the number 11, reinforcing the family-centred theme of the surprise.
The homecoming came amid viral social media claims alleging that Doku had initiated divorce proceedings against his wife after a DNA test reportedly showed he was not the biological father of their newborn son, Praise.
The rumours surfaced after Doku temporarily left Belgium’s World Cup camp with the approval of the national team to travel to London for the birth of his first child.
Doku and his wife welcomed their son, Praise, on June 22, 2026, before the winger returned to Belgium’s squad for the remainder of the tournament.
His decision to leave camp briefly sparked debate, with a French television presenter criticising the move.
However, several football figures, including Belgium teammate Youri Tielemans and England forward Ollie Watkins, defended his decision to prioritise his family.
Following the birth, Doku celebrated the arrival of his son on Instagram, describing him as “one of the greatest blessings God has ever given me” while referencing James 1:17.
Despite the widespread circulation of the DNA test and divorce claims, neither Doku nor his wife has publicly addressed the speculation.
The allegations also remain completely unverified, with no credible sports media organisation or official representative confirming the reported DNA test, divorce proceedings or any separation.
The claims have circulated mainly on unverified social media pages and rumour accounts.
