Jérémy Baffour Doku (born 27 May 2002) is a Belgian professional footballer who plays as a winger for City and the Belgium national team. Renowned for his blistering pace, explosive dribbling, and fearless directness, Doku has established himself as one of the most devastating attacking players in world football. From the streets of Antwerp to becoming a key figure at one of Europe's elite clubs, his journey is a story of raw talent, relentless hard work, and an unshakeable desire to make his family proud.
Early Life and Roots in Antwerp
Doku was born on 27 May 2002 in Antwerp, Belgium, to Ghanaian parents. Growing up in a city with a rich footballing culture, he was immersed in the sport from a very young age. His first taste of football began in Antwerp, where he played for various local clubs, including KVC Olympic Deurne, Tubantia Borgerhout, and Beerschot, before joining Anderlecht at the age of ten.
His parents instilled in him a strong work ethic and the importance of making them proud. He has spoken openly about how his family's support has been the driving force behind his career. He wanted to make the name Doku more globally known than it was before, and seeing his loved ones proud of him remains his greatest motivation.
Anderlecht: A Teenage Prodigy
Doku rose through the ranks at Anderlecht's prestigious academy and made his professional debut for the club on 25 November 2018, at just 16 years and 5 months old. He went on to score his first professional goal for Anderlecht on 1 December 2019 in a Belgian Division A match against KV Oostende.
During his time at Anderlecht, he made 37 appearances in the Belgian top flight, scoring six goals. He also had the opportunity to work under former Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany during his spell as player-manager, an experience that would prove invaluable for his development. Even as a teenager, Doku displayed the self-awareness and mentality that would define his career. He never believed he had made it; instead, he wanted to take the next step every time, from being involved in every game to starting every game to making an important contribution.
Rennes: Breaking Through in France
On 5 October 2020, Doku made the move to Ligue 1 side Stade Rennais for a fee reported to be around €26 million, breaking the club's transfer record at the time. He spent three seasons with the French club, making 92 appearances in total and establishing himself as one of the most exciting young wingers in European football.
Over his three seasons at Rennes, he made 75 league appearances, scoring ten goals. His explosive pace, close control, and ability to beat defenders in one-on-one situations made him a constant threat. He gained valuable experience in both Ligue 1 and European competitions, and his performances attracted the attention of some of the biggest clubs in world football. By the time he left Rennes, he had developed from a raw talent into a more complete and consistent attacker.
Manchester City: A New Challenge
In August 2023, Doku completed a transfer to Manchester City, signing a five-year deal that would keep him at the club until the summer of 2028. The transfer fee was reported to be in the region of €65 million, making him one of the most expensive signings in City's history.
He was City's third summer signing of the 2023/24 season, joining a squad packed with world-class talent. He made an immediate impression on City fans, getting plenty of bums out of seats during his home debut against Fulham and finding the net next time out at West Ham. Just two months into his City career, he made Premier League history in a 6-1 drubbing of Bournemouth, becoming the youngest player to produce five goal involvements in one game, with four assists and one goal, as well as the first City player to provide four assists in 90 minutes.
His first season at City was a success. He became a key figure for Pep Guardiola early on, with his explosive power and pace proving a key weapon as City picked up the Premier League title in his debut campaign. The 2024/25 season proved more difficult, but with two full seasons under his belt at City, Doku continued to develop and refine his game.
One of his most memorable performances came against Liverpool, where he produced one of the great individual displays in a Premier League game, creating havoc every time he picked up the ball. His performance drew comparisons to the great individual displays in Premier League history. In big games, there is always more exposure and more beauty, and Doku seemed to revel in the occasion.
By the 2025/26 season, Doku had cemented his place as one of City's most important attacking players. He made 47 appearances across all competitions, scoring 12 goals and providing eight assists. His dribbling ability, pace, and directness made him a constant threat to opposition defences, and he played a crucial role in City's continued success in the Premier League and the Champions League.
International Career: The Red Devils
Doku has represented Belgium at every level from Under-15 to the senior team. He made his senior debut for the Red Devils in 2020 and was part of the Belgium squad for UEFA Euro 2020 and the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
He has since become a regular name in the national team's squad list. By 2026, he had earned 41 caps for Belgium, scoring seven goals. He was selected for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where he rejoined the squad after temporarily leaving to be present for the birth of his first child, a son named Praise.
Style of Play and Personality
Doku is the embodiment of the modern winger. Standing at 1.73 metres, he may not be the tallest player, but his low centre of gravity, explosive acceleration, and exceptional balance make him almost impossible to dispossess. He is most renowned for his prodigious dribbling skills, flair, and trickery, and he possesses the ability to beat defenders in one-on-one situations with remarkable consistency.
His pace is electrifying, and his agility and body strength allow him to ride challenges and maintain possession in tight spaces. He is a direct and fearless attacker who constantly looks to take on defenders and create chances for himself and his teammates. His dribbling ability is complemented by an improving end product, with his assists and goals tally increasing season by season.
Off the pitch, Doku is described as humble, self-aware, and deeply committed to his family. He has spoken about the importance of self-awareness and the ability to criticise himself honestly. Since he was young, he always wanted to be the best, and when he doesn't play well, he is the first to admit it. He takes every opportunity to learn from the experienced players around him, observing how they work on their bodies and prepare for games. Everyone is a role model because you can learn something from everyone you meet.
Career Statistics and Honours
Club senior appearances (as of 2026):
- Anderlecht: 37 appearances, 6 goals
- Rennes: 92 appearances
- Manchester City: 87 appearances, 11 goals (Premier League)
International appearances (as of 2026):
- Belgium Senior: 41 caps, 7 goals
Major Honours:
- Premier League: 2023-24 (Manchester City)
- UEFA Super Cup: 2023 (Manchester City)
- FIFA Club World Cup: 2023 (Manchester City)
Jeremy Doku's career is a story of extraordinary talent, relentless hard work, and an unshakeable belief in his own ability. From the streets of Antwerp to the pinnacle of European football with Manchester City, he has overcome every obstacle in his path. At just 24 years old, he has already established himself as one of the most devastating wingers in world football. With his blistering pace, exceptional dribbling ability, and growing end product, Doku is destined to become one of the defining attackers of his generation.