Jeremy Doku for club and country this season 👀🇧🇪 🏟️ 32 MATCHES ⚽ 8 GOALS 🎯 9 ASSISTS Consistent impact all season long

Jeremy Doku’s story is not just about football, speed, dribbling, or trophies. It is a story about family, pride, identity, pressure, and a young man who wakes up every day with one clear goal in his heart, to make his parents proud and to hear his family name spoken with respect all over the world. From the streets of Antwerp to the bright lights of the Etihad Stadium, Doku’s journey has been shaped by discipline, hunger, humility, and a deep understanding of where he comes from and where he wants to go.
Born in Antwerp, Belgium, to Ghanaian parents, Jeremy Doku grew up in a household where values mattered just as much as talent. Football was important, but character was everything. From a very young age, Doku understood that success was not only about what he could do with the ball at his feet, but also about the way he carried himself as a person. His parents played a huge role in shaping that mindset. His father, especially, became his biggest inspiration outside football. Not because he was famous or rich, but because of the way he lived his life, worked hard, and supported his family.
As a young boy, Doku wanted one thing more than anything else, to make his father proud. That desire slowly grew into something bigger. It became about making his parents proud, his family proud, and eventually making the name Doku known and respected around the world. For Jeremy, hearing people say his name in a positive way means everything. It is not about ego or attention, but about knowing that his hard work is being recognised and that his journey is inspiring others, especially young people who see parts of themselves in his story.
Doku’s rise in football has been fast, but it has never been careless. He made his senior debut for Anderlecht at just 16 years old, an age when many players are still dreaming about their first professional contract. Instead of being overwhelmed by the moment, Doku stayed grounded. Even then, he never felt like he had “made it”. Each step forward only made him want more. He wanted to play regularly. Then he wanted to start games. Then he wanted to be important. Then he wanted to make a difference every single time he stepped onto the pitch.
That mentality followed him from Anderlecht to Rennes, and then to Manchester City. Each club represented a new challenge, a higher level, and more pressure. But pressure has never scared Doku. He understands that pressure is part of the job. One day you are praised, the next day you are criticised. One day you are called unstoppable, the next day people say you had a bad game. Doku accepts all of it because he knows who he is and what he stands for.
Now in his second season at Manchester City, Doku is beginning to truly show why Pep Guardiola wanted him. His pace, directness, and fearlessness have added a new dimension to City’s attack. Defenders struggle to live with him when he is running at full speed, changing direction, and taking risks. But behind that exciting style of play is a very thoughtful and self-aware young man. Doku constantly reflects on his performances. Even if City win and he scores or assists, if he feels he did not play well, he will be the first to admit it.
That honesty with himself is one of his greatest strengths. Doku believes that knowing yourself, criticising yourself, and always wanting to improve is key to becoming a top player. He learned this mindset early. When he was 16, making his debut, he did not think that was the end of the road. For him, it was only the beginning. Every season, every game, every training session became another opportunity to take the next step.
At Manchester City, Doku is surrounded by some of the best players in the world, and he sees learning opportunities everywhere. He pays attention not only to what happens on the pitch, but also to what happens off it. He watches how experienced players take care of their bodies, their minds, and their routines. He understands that talent alone is not enough to stay at the top, especially in a team that is constantly competing for trophies under a demanding manager like Pep Guardiola.
One example that stands out for Doku is Mateo Kovacic. After training, while many might head home, Kovacic spends extra time working on his body in the gym, focusing on injury prevention rather than lifting heavy weights. Doku admires that dedication because it shows how much the midfielder values longevity and consistency. It is about being available, staying fit, and giving yourself the best chance to perform at a high level week after week.
Another player Doku has learned from is Erling Haaland. Haaland is known for his obsession with marginal gains, doing everything possible to gain even the smallest advantage. Whether it is wearing special glasses at night or sleeping with tape on his mouth, Haaland’s habits show a level of commitment that goes beyond natural ability. For Doku, these details matter. They show what it takes to be the best in the world.
In the City squad, Doku believes everyone is a role model in their own way. Every player has something unique to offer, whether it is professionalism, mentality, preparation, or resilience. By observing and learning from those around him, Doku continues to grow not just as a footballer, but as a person.
Despite his rapid rise and growing reputation, Doku remains deeply connected to his roots. His background, his family, and his identity are central to who he is. Being part of Black History Month celebrations is meaningful to him because it reflects a journey shared by many players before him, players who overcame obstacles, broke barriers, and inspired future generations. Doku understands that his success is not just his own. It represents the sacrifices of his parents and the dreams of many young people watching from similar backgrounds.
October, Black History Month in the UK, is a time to celebrate and honour the contributions of Black people throughout history, including in football. For Manchester City, it is a chance to reflect on the influence and impact of Black players who have shaped the club’s identity over the years. Doku’s story fits perfectly into that narrative, a modern example of talent meeting opportunity, guided by strong values and relentless work ethic.
Life at Manchester City is intense. The standards are high, expectations are higher, and competition for places is fierce. But Doku thrives in that environment. He knows that to play for Guardiola’s City, you need more than skill. You need intelligence, discipline, humility, and mental strength. You need to be ready to learn, to listen, and to adapt.
Doku’s mentality has been shaped by years of understanding that improvement never stops. Even now, as a Premier League champion, he does not see himself as finished product. Every training session is a chance to get better. Every mistake is a lesson. Every success is motivation to push harder.
He speaks openly about pressure because he does not run from it. He accepts that football is unpredictable. Today you can be the hero, tomorrow you can be criticised. But as long as he knows he gave his best and stayed true to himself, he can live with any outcome. That balance between confidence and humility is rare, especially in young players, and it is one of the reasons City believe in his long-term future.
For Doku, success is not measured only by trophies or statistics. It is measured by the smiles on his parents’ faces, by hearing his name spoken with respect, and by knowing that his journey is inspiring others. He wants the name Doku to be known globally, not for controversy or noise, but for excellence, professionalism, and positivity.
Looking back at his career so far, from debuting at 16 to winning the Premier League, it is clear that Doku’s path has been anything but accidental. Every move, every decision, and every sacrifice has been guided by a clear sense of purpose. He did not rush success. He earned it step by step.
As he continues his journey at Manchester City, the expectations will only grow. Opponents will study him more closely. Fans will demand more. The spotlight will shine brighter. But if there is one thing Doku has shown, it is that he is ready for that responsibility. He has built his career on strong foundations, family values, self-awareness, and an unbreakable desire to improve.
In the end, Jeremy Doku’s story is still being written. He is only 22, yet he already carries the experience of seven senior seasons, a Premier League title, and the respect of one of the best squads in world football. But for him, the journey is far from complete. Every day, he wakes up with the same motivation he had as a young boy in Antwerp, to work hard, stay humble, and make his parents proud.
And as long as that motivation remains, the name Doku will continue to be spoken, not just loudly, but positively, across stadiums, screens, and conversations around the world.














