From promising talent to household name
When Jeremy Doku stepped onto the pitch at Parken Stadium in Copenhagen on 17 June 2021, he was a 19-year-old with raw speed and trickery, but largely unknown beyond hardcore football circles. By the time he left the tournament, his life had irreversibly changed. Speaking to FourFourTwo, the Manchester City winger opened up about his first major tournament experience with Belgium, revealing how a single performance altered his entire career trajectory.
The Euro 2020 call-up that sparked a revolution
Doku’s inclusion in Roberto Martínez’s squad for UEFA Euro 2020 was a bold move. Despite limited senior international caps, his explosive displays for Rennes in Ligue 1 had turned heads. Belgium, then the world’s top-ranked team, boasted a golden generation including Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku, and Eden Hazard. For a teenager to break into that setup was extraordinary.
“I was just happy to be there at first,” Doku recalled. “But then I got my chance against Denmark, and everything changed.”
‘That game changed my life’
The match in question was Belgium’s second group game, a high-stakes encounter against a Denmark side emotionally charged after Christian Eriksen’s cardiac arrest earlier in the tournament. Doku started and delivered a breathtaking performance, tormenting the Danish defence with his direct running and close control. Even though Belgium lost 2-1, Doku’s individual display left a lasting impression.
“That game changed my life. After, people would come up to me on the street, they recognised me and I became more popular,” Doku told FourFourTwo. “I wasn’t used to that kind of attention. Suddenly everyone knew my name.”
The winger’s ability to beat defenders one-on-one and create chaos in the final third marked him as a future star. His successful dribbles count was among the highest in the tournament per 90 minutes, drawing comparisons to Belgian legend Eden Hazard.
From national hero to Manchester City star
Doku’s Euro 2020 exploits accelerated his rise. A move to Manchester City followed in 2023, where he has since become a key figure under Pep Guardiola. His journey from a shy teenager to a Premier League champion is a testament to the platform that international tournaments provide.
“I sometimes think back to that night in Copenhagen,” he added. “It was the moment when I realised I could compete with the best. It gave me the confidence to push on.” Now 24, Doku remains a vital part of Belgium’s new generation, aiming to step out of the shadow of the golden era and lead the Red Devils to future glory.
Key Takeaways
- Jeremy Doku credits his breakout performance at Euro 2020 against Denmark as the turning point of his career.
- The match brought him international recognition, with fans approaching him on the street for the first time.
- His dribbling and direct style drew comparisons to Eden Hazard and solidified his place in Belgium’s squad.
- The tournament experience gave him the confidence to later thrive at Manchester City under Pep Guardiola.
Quick Facts
Tournament: UEFA Euro 2020 (played in 2021)
Debut match: Belgium vs Denmark, 17 June 2021
Age at debut: 19 years, 21 days
Club at the time: Stade Rennais
Current club: Manchester City
Quote from Doku: “That game changed my life. After, people would come up to me on the street, they recognised me and I became more popular.”