Manchester City star Jeremy Doku traded boots for bowls during a heartfelt visit to Ghana this summer, a journey that wasn’t just about rest, but rediscovery.
In a rare but touching link-up, the Belgian winger with Ghanaian heritage joined forces with popular Ghanaian food content creator, Chef Abbys, to savour one of the country’s beloved traditional dishes — Waakye.
Jeremy Doku learns how to prepare popular Ghanaian meal
The moment, captured in a charming video, showed a different side of the 23-year-old footballer: one at ease, smiling, and scooping rice and beans into an earthenware bowl with Chef Abbys gently guiding him.
It was more than just a culinary experience. For Doku, who last visited Ghana 17 years ago, the trip was a homecoming, a chance to reconnect with the land of his parents and embrace the culture that shaped his roots.
The joy on his face and the excitement from his family, who stood close by recording the occasion on their phones, spoke volumes.
Laughter, tradition, and a simple yet symbolic meal brought everyone together in a moment that will live long in their memories.
Chef Abbys, known for her vibrant storytelling through food, couldn’t hide her excitement either. Sharing the experience on Instagram, she wrote:
“It was such an honour creating this beautiful moment with Jeremy Doku and his amazing family ❤️ Ghanaian food, culture, and love to the world. What else could we have made if not Waakye 😁.”
Jeremy Doku acquires Ghanaian passport
But Doku’s trip wasn’t just about food. In another significant gesture, the electric winger officially acquired a Ghanaian passport. This is a symbolic step that deepens his bond with his ancestral homeland.
On July 21, Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Sam Okudzeto Ablakwa, proudly announced the news on X (formerly Twitter), describing the moment as another powerful connection between Ghana and its diaspora.
When will Doku return to action for Man City?
As Doku’s time in Ghana draws to a close, he’ll soon return to Manchester to rejoin Pep Guardiola’s squad for pre-season. His first task? A friendly on August 9 against Palermo FC, a curtain-raiser for the inaugural Anglo-Palermitan Trophy, per reports from Goal.