According to Jérémy Doku, his primary motivation for pursuing a career in football is to make his family proud and to hear favorable remarks about his last name everywhere. Doku, who contributed significantly to Manchester City’s Premier League title victory the previous season, is in incredible form as he begins his second season with the club.

The 22-year-old, who made his Anderlecht debut at the age of 16, is currently in his sixth senior campaign. The winger recently had a conversation with former City player Nedum Onuoha about his career journey thus far, his motivations, and his goals for the future as part of the Black History Month celebrations. That interview will be accessible in full on mancity.com and the official app later this week.

Doku, raised in Antwerp, Belgium, by Ghanaian parents, is unapologetic about the sources of inspiration that helped propel him to the top of the sport. “My dad was my role model when I was little, not football. He said, ‘I wanted to make him proud.’ What makes me proud is making my parents and my entire family proud.” His goal is to increase recognition of the Doku name globally. “I find it amazing when people recognize me and say my name positively, and when I see everyone I love smile.”

Doku acknowledges the pressure that comes with professional football. “There’s always pressure; you might be good today and bad tomorrow, but that’s just part of the job.” Now, he takes advantage of every opportunity to learn from some of the best players in the world, as he plays alongside many of them in the City squad. There are potential role models around Doku, with seasoned players committed to their craft even after achieving success under Pep Guardiola.

When Onuoha asked Doku what he learned from these stars, he highlighted specific examples of how they’ve enabled him to reach his full potential. “I watch how Kovacic works on his body in the gym after training sessions. He’s not lifting weights; instead, he’s preventing injuries,” he said. This commitment to performance demonstrates his desire to excel and requires significant effort, which Doku admires.

Doku’s journey is a testament to hard work and resilience. He views pressure as an opportunity for growth. “There’s always pressure; you might be good today and bad tomorrow, but that’s just part of the job,” he reiterated, emphasizing his commitment to continuous improvement.

His focus on mentality extends beyond the pitch, influencing his off-field habits. He prioritizes fitness and nutrition, understanding that longevity in football requires a holistic approach to wellness. Doku aims to expand his global recognition, wishing to inspire others, especially young athletes from similar backgrounds. He strives to be a role model, demonstrating that with dedication and the right mindset, success is attainable.

It’s critical that he maintain his mental toughness. Doku accepts the demands of playing professional football and uses obstacles as fuel to improve. His self-awareness and constant quest for improvement are shown in his gaming. With these qualities, Jérémy Doku is a valuable member of Manchester City’s team as well as a bright future star for the national team.

Doku’s play is also characterized by its creativity. With his excellent vision, he can spot openings in the defenses of his opponents and take advantage of them to produce accurate passes and assists that have the power to turn a game around. His versatility makes him a vital tactical tool for his side because it enables him to adjust to different places along the attack, whether on the left or right flank.

Although playing for Guardiola’s City demands high skill levels, Doku claims that his self-awareness has been a driving force behind his success. “The mentality,” he explained when asked about his key attribute outside of skill. “Since I am young, I always want to be the best. When I don’t play well, whether I score or we win but I didn’t play well, I would be the first to say I didn’t play my best.”