I started coughing blood, Doku opens up on World cup health scare

Belgium winger Jeremy Doku has disclosed a harrowing health scare he endured during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, revealing he coughed up blood and suffered severe chest pain. The Manchester City player shared his experience in a YouTube video, describing it as one of the most challenging periods of his career.

“

Suddenly, here in my chest, I felt a pain that I’ve never felt before. I couldn’t move, I couldn’t breathe in.

Doku's health problems began after Belgium's match against Tunisia, where an uncontrollable cough developed despite his recovery from a prior illness. He described the pain as excruciating, stating, "Suddenly, here in my chest, I felt a pain that I’ve never felt before. I couldn’t move, I couldn’t breathe in." Despite receiving medication and traveling with the squad, his condition worsened, making training impossible and leading to coughing blood.

Further medical tests revealed fluid in his lungs, a condition the doctor deemed uncommon. Doku continued to take medication but remained in pain, unable to perform at his best. "I spoke to the coach and told him, ‘Impossible. I cannot even run without feeling a heavy pain,'" he recounted.

“

I spoke to the coach and told him, ‘Impossible. I cannot even run without feeling a heavy pain.'

Compounding the health crisis, Doku received life-changing news: his wife was going into labor weeks ahead of her due date. He immediately decided to return to London to be with his family, noting he was unfit to play regardless. "I told them, ‘Guys, I’m not able to play either way, so I’m going to go back to see my son.' They didn’t even think twice," he said. Doku and his wife welcomed their son, Praise, and he described the experience of becoming a father as emotional, having prepared by watching videos and seeking advice.

“

I told them, ‘Guys, I’m not able to play either way, so I’m going to go back to see my son.' They didn’t even think twice.