The report says the controversy followed Doku’s absence from Belgium’s 0-0 draw with Iran, after he reportedly returned to the UK to be present for the birth of his first child, Praise. It also says his absence was initially explained as illness, which helped fuel suspicion and debate around the timing.
That is why Doku appeared keen to acknowledge how the episode looked from the outside. “Houve muito barulho, claro. Eu consigo entender por que algumas pessoas sentiram que talvez isso tivesse sido organizado, porque foi perfeito demais,” he said.
What stands out is not just that Doku defended his choice, but that he defended the person who criticised him. In an era when football rows quickly become online pile-ons, his response was notably measured.
“Eu vi a jornalista falar sobre mim e sobre a situação, e vi todo mundo indo contra ela. Mas eu queria usar este vídeo também para realmente rezar por ela,” Doku said. He then added: “Não sabemos o que ela viveu. É a opinião dela.”
That does not erase the original controversy, but it does shift the tone. Rather than inflame the argument, Doku tried to close it.
This was never only about one missed game. It touched on privacy, family, player welfare and the expectation that internationals must always put duty first. Football still struggles with those grey areas, especially when personal decisions collide with tournament pressure.
For Doku, the next step is simple: let the conversation return to football. Whether with Belgium or Manchester City, the next storyline to watch is how quickly the noise fades once he is back on the pitch.