The World Cup is being overshadowed by personal milestones for some players, as Norway’s Leo Østigård welcomed the arrival of his first child via video call. Meanwhile, Jérémy Doku of Belgium is contemplating stepping away from the squad to support his wife during her childbirth, potentially missing an important match.
Østigård, who has been receiving guidance on fatherhood from teammate Erling Haaland, provided emotional support to his partner, Aurora Eidmann, as she gave birth to their son on Friday.
“I’m completely exhausted myself, it was absolutely amazing. She did so well, there wasn’t much I could say, I just had to help her work and get him out. I’m proud, amazing,” the 26-year-old expressed in a video released by the Norwegian FA on its social media platforms. “When I saw him for the first time, I was blown away. It’s absolutely insane. I’m so happy and proud. It’s definitely the greatest thing I’ve ever experienced.”
He recounted that shortly after his son’s birth, his hotel room was filled with excitement as his teammates barged in. “Four lads came jumping into the room. It was probably Sander [Berge], Erling and Jørgen [Strand Larsen].”
Doku’s wife, Shireen, is expected to give birth in the second week of July, coinciding with the quarter-finals. Reflecting on the situation, Doku stated.
“If you ask me what I want, my answer is that nobody wants to miss the birth of their first child. But I also know that football involves many other considerations. I know the federation supports its players and understands their situations. We’ll see what we can do.”
Belgium began their World Cup journey with a 1-1 draw against Egypt, and Doku’s absence for the birth could hinge on the team advancing from their group and winning two knockout matches. However, his situation has drawn criticism, notably from French journalist France Pierron, who remarked.
“You’re living out a childhood dream, yet you’re going to walk away from it all to attend the birth of your child – a disgusting moment, if you’ll pardon the expression, where the dad is completely useless.”
Pierron’s comments have sparked significant backlash, with Libération labeling her remarks as “the reaction of another age” In response, she later stated: “I was expressing a personal opinion within the context of a debate. These remarks are solely my own and in no way reflect a collective position. I understand that they may have shocked, offended, or hurt some of you, and I am sorry for that. My intention was never to minimise the place or role of fathers with their partners and children.”
Currently, Doku will miss Belgium’s Group G match against Iran on Sunday due to a respiratory infection. In contrast, Østigård can prepare for Norway’s upcoming game against Senegal in Group I with a sense of relief. He commented.
“I think it makes me a little more relaxed, that everything has gone well, because you never know. Now it’s just joy and I’m very happy that things are good, and that my boy is out.”
