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Jeremy Doku's Wife Shireen Raymond: Five Things to Know as Belgium Star Faces World Cup vs Family Dilemma — Football

Jeremy Doku’s Wife Shireen Raymond: Five Things to Know as Belgium Star Faces World Cup vs Family Dilemma

Manchester City winger Jeremy Doku has drawn global attention after stating he would prioritise attending the birth of his first child over Belgium’s 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign. Here is what is known about his wife, Shireen Erin Lyannda Raymond.

Kofi Mensah

Jeremy Doku is among the most discussed players at the 2026 FIFA World Cup — not solely because of his performances on the pitch for Belgium, but because of a candid admission regarding a potential conflict between football and fatherhood. The Manchester City winger has stated publicly that he would want to be present for the birth of his first child, even if it coincides with Belgium’s participation in the tournament.

Speaking to Reuters, Doku addressed the situation directly: “It’s my first child, so I would definitely want to be there. 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.”

The statement has shifted attention toward the woman at the centre of that decision — his wife, Shireen Erin Lyannda Raymond.

Shireen Raymond was born in June 1996, according to public company listings she was formerly associated with, making her 30 years old as of June 2026 — six years older than Doku, who is 24. Originally from Croydon in South London, she has built a career in the aesthetics and beauty industry, with her social media presence on TikTok and Instagram centred on lifestyle, wellness, faith, and family rather than celebrity culture.

The couple’s relationship entered public view following Doku’s split from his former partner, Petra Amisi, with whom he had celebrated Manchester City’s Premier League title and who had been present to support him at Euro 2024. Doku and Shireen were first publicly spotted together at the VIP section of the Etihad Stadium during Manchester City’s Premier League fixture against Southampton on October 26, 2024 — a match Doku watched from the stands while recovering from injury. At that point, neither party had formally confirmed the relationship.

Their partnership moved at considerable pace from that point. Doku proposed to Shireen during a trip to Dubai in 2025, and the couple married in a private ceremony on November 6, 2025. The wedding featured a cross on the cake and a quotation from Song of Solomon 3:4: “I have found the one whom my soul loves.” Both Doku and Raymond have been open about the role of Christian faith in their relationship. In a YouTube docuseries, Doku disclosed that despite sharing accommodation during trips — including the Dubai visit — the couple requested separate beds in adherence to their religious convictions.

The pregnancy announcement followed in March 2026, with Shireen sharing the news on social media alongside an image featuring her engagement ring and baby bump. The post included a passage from 1 Corinthians 13: “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.” The couple confirmed they are expecting a baby boy.

The due date falls during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is being co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Belgium are participating in the tournament, placing Doku in the position of potentially having to choose between a major international competition and the birth of his first child. The situation has generated widespread discussion, with Doku’s comments drawing contrasting reactions online regarding the balance between professional obligations and personal milestones.

Doku has been a key figure for both Manchester City and Belgium in recent seasons, establishing himself as one of Europe’s more dynamic wide forwards. His form and public profile have ensured that his off-field decisions attract considerable scrutiny, with this latest development proving no exception.

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