For Belgium and Manchester City winger Jeremy Doku, the World Cup was a huge success, not because of the money or fame, but because of how many people were exposed to Jesus.
“The World Cup was something I really looked forward to, not just based on football, but we prepared something big for the World Cup with the body of Christ, multiple believers from different teams,” Doku said in a video on Instagram shared by Christhlete.
“I saw this as a great opportunity, a great platform to spread the word, to speak about our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and we were really excited for that to share our faith,” the athlete explained. “And I feel like when I look back, a lot of people were very open about their faith and really showed that there is a King above all kings and that He must be glorified, even beyond football, and that winning or losing is not really what matters the most.”
Glorifying God was Doku’s ultimate aim.
“So, when I look back, I’ve seen a lot of people pointed towards Jesus. So I feel like the World Cup has been a success,” the soccer star continued. “I was really encouraged as well to see other players in different situations, different teams in different levels, all coming together.”
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The moment when USMNT defender Mark McKenzie led a prayer after the USA’s match against Belgium really encouraged Doku.
“…for example, when we played against USA, I spoke to McKenzie, we spoke, and also sharing his faith, and we were praying together after the game,” Doku recalled. “And even though he lost, he came and we prayed together, and that’s where I felt like, ‘No, this is this is bigger than football.’ We were able to see the bigger picture.”
“I believe that seeds have been planted in people, and you know, as the Bible says, some people plant, some people water, but the Lord is the one that brings the increase, and I believe that He will bring the increase,” he concluded.
After Belgium’s match against the USA, they would lose the next round to Spain.
After their World Cup run ended, Doku took to social media and shared about his faith.
“A special World Cup with a lot of ups and downs but so grateful that the Lord has used and chosen me to be on a stage like this,” he wrote. “Proud of the team, and I know we will come back stronger! Thank you all for the support.”
He concluded the post with 2 Corinthians 2:14 NKJV, “Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place.”
For Doku, the true victory of the World Cup wasn’t measured in wins and losses but in the seeds of faith planted across nations, a triumph he trusts God will one day bring to full increase.
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