Inside Manchester City’s Jérémy Doku’s deep Christian faith and his newborn’s unique name
By Luke Oluoch, July 11, 2026The 2026 World Cup has seen players make profound statements on an aspect of football that rarely attracts mainstream attention: faith.
Morocco’s Noussair Mazraoui is among them. The Manchester United defender recently admitted he has considered hanging up his boots to pursue a completely different career path. Mazraoui revealed he is mulling retirement to focus on reciting the Holy Quran, dedicating his life to his faith, and ultimately becoming an imam.
Choosing family and faith
However, the headline of this spiritual connection belongs to Belgium winger Jérémy Doku.
The Manchester City attacker drew criticism from sections of the sports media for leaving the Belgian camp during the World Cup, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for many, to fly back to London to support his partner, Shireen, during the birth of their first child.
The Belgian star of Ghanaian descent is a devoted Christian who believes his football is guided by a higher power. He credits his international teammate, Dodi Lukebakio, with introducing him to the faith. Ahead of Belgium’s World Cup debut, Doku shared a viral 10-minute video speaking openly about his beliefs and reading from the Bible.
“On the pitch, I have His presence with me. That’s the difference… There’s nothing more important to me than faith,” Doku stated.
Baller for Christ
The remarks were just the latest in a series of the 24-year-old winger’s faith declarations. Whether on social media or in interviews, he has never shied away from sharing his beliefs.
A notable instance occurred in September 2025. In the immediate aftermath of a starring role in City’s 3-0 win at the Etihad Stadium, Doku affirmed his strong Christian commitment. In an interview with the BBC, he revealed he was going straight from the match to be baptised, proving his dedication remains unshaken by the pressurised environment of elite football.
According to the winger, he endeavours to use his platform for a higher cause: glorifying God and living in a way that ultimately earns divine approval, which he views as the most important part of his life.
“God worked through a friend whom I play with in the national team, Dodi Lukebakio. And that changed my life,” Doku reflected.
He now focuses heavily on using his influence as a footballer to lead people to Christ.
Playing for a higher approval
In a sport where validation is measured in likes, headlines, and crowd noise, Doku’s outlook remains an intriguing perspective of life purpose and the ever-complex matter of faith.
Besides his surprise exit from the Belgium camp in the USA to join his family, the couple with his spouse on Monday, June 22, 2026, welcomed their firstborn son.
Driven by his deep Christian faith, Doku and his girlfriend named their new bundle of joy Praise.
Doku latter jetted back to the World Cup and has been part of Rudi Garcia’s team that suffered elimination on Friday, July 10, 2026, at the hands of Spain