Representing your country at the World Cup is a high point for any footballer. This year Jeremy Doku, who plays as a winger for Manchester City, one of the best club teams in the world, played for Belgium in the World Cup in America. After the tournament Jeremy spoke about his experience there including being injured and being present at the birth of his son, called Praise. Jeremy is a Christian and said God had used the World Cup in his life in ways he never expected.
Belgium reached the quarter finals of the World Cup where they lost to Spain, the eventual winners. Jeremy says, “I feel that the World Cup has been a success.” He was not referring to the football but to faith. Jeremy and other players from various countries who are Christians met before the tournament to pray that they would be able to seize the moment and witness to Jesus focussing on “The King’s Return.”
At the World Cup Jeremy feels he grew in his Christian faith. He became aware of how pride had crept into his heart which challenges during the World Cup, like illness and injury, brought to the surface. He says, “I fed my sinful nature. I had to go through certain things to really notice that there was pride in me. Sometimes trials are good because they build a godly character in you and they purify you.” Jeremy realises that God is far more interested in our character than our achievements, and sometimes he lovingly brings us low to remind us of that.
During the World Cup Jeremy had a mild respiratory infection and was given permission to make a flying visit to England to be present with his wife, Shireen, at the birth of their first child. L’Equipe channel presenter France Pierron criticised him saying a father is “completely useless” at the time of their child’s birth, which she said was a “disgusting moment”. L’Equipe apologised and said Pierron’s comments were “very far removed” from its values. The presenter also apologised, but L’Equipe said she would remain off-air until the end of the current season of her show.
Jeremy reached out to France Pierron saying, “I want people not to be too harsh on her. We don’t know what she has experienced. It’s her opinion. She got fired and all these things. I never want this for a person. I’m not against her, I’m not angry at her.” Jeremy understands the importance of forgiveness in a very unforgiving world and knows that Jesus taught his disciples to pray, “Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.