Overview:
Franco Célestin and Woodson Félix have been uncommon brilliant spots in Haiti’s disappointing U‑17 World Cup run, changing into the nation’s solely gamers ever—throughout all FIFA classes—to document each a purpose and an help in a World Cup match.
Statistically, Haiti ended its 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup marketing campaign as one of many weakest groups within the event. Les Grenadiers conceded 16 targets in three group-stage matches—the third most general—and scored solely 4. The group’s defenders and midfielders appeared drained and disorganized.
But amid the frustration, two younger gamers emerged as brilliant spots: winger Franco Célestin and attacking midfielder Woodson Félix.
Collectively, the duo made historical past as the one Haitian gamers ever to every document a purpose and an help in a World Cup—throughout all classes, for women and men alike.
“It’s a group. The group misplaced, so I misplaced too. I believe I gave it my all, however sadly.”
Franco Célestin
Célestin, broadly thought to be the group’s most promising participant, scored Haiti’s lone purpose in its 8-1 loss to England on Nov. 7, heading in a cross to place Haiti on the scoreboard. Earlier in Haiti’s opening of the event, he supplied an help within the 4-1 loss to Egypt, racing down the precise flank earlier than sending a low cross to Nikolaï Pierre for the end.
Regardless of these highlights, Célestin expressed little pleasure.
“It’s a group,” Célestin stated after the England match. “The group misplaced, so I misplaced too. I believe I gave it my all.”
The 16-year-old’s purpose and help confirmed his rise as one in every of Haiti’s high younger skills. He stands out as youth soccer falters, together with his hometown’s Ranch de la Croix-des-Bouquets—a significant FHF-run academy close to Port-au-Prince—now largely deserted on account of gang management.
Some followers see Célestin’s performances as a glimmer of hope.
“Maintain your head excessive, Franco,” one fan wrote in Creole on social media. “You’re making Croix-des-Bouquets proud.”
One other commented, “This man deserves to get signed by a membership abroad.”
Translation: Effectively, maintain it up Franco Celestin, I do know you can also make Crox-des-Bouquets proud. Screenshot of a public touch upon Fb
Translation: The man is nice. Screenshot of a public touch upon Fb
Translation: This man deserves to get signed by a membership from abroad. Screenshot of a public touch upon Fb
A star is born within the World Cup
Whereas Célestin reaffirmed his status, Félix made a reputation for himself on the world stage in Qatar. The Real Hope Football Academy midfielder didn’t begin Haiti’s first match however made an instantaneous impression off the bench in opposition to Egypt.
Félix began the following two matches and tallied each his purpose and help in opposition to Group E leaders Venezuela. Within the forty first minute, he dribbled towards the Venezuelan protection earlier than threading a exact go to Da-Bentz Jacquet, who fired it into the underside nook. Later, within the 72nd minute, Félix discovered the online himself from a good angle contained in the field.
Remarkably, Félix hadn’t performed within the World Cup qualifiers, becoming a member of the squad just for the event. His maturity and imaginative and prescient rapidly earned reward.
“Woodson Félix is likely one of the few brilliant spots for Haiti on the 2025 World Cup in Qatar,” sports activities reporter Ynel Francois wrote on Fb. “He’s one participant we are able to rely on sooner or later.”
Célestin’s rise earlier than the World Cup
Célestin first gained consideration in August 2022, main Haiti to victory within the Caribbean Soccer Union (CFU) Beneath-14 Problem Sequence. He scored six targets and earned the event’s high participant award whereas taking part in for LEG A-Z, a membership in Croix-des-Bouquets.
His efficiency caught the attention of Jamaican powerhouse Mount Pleasant F.A., which later signed him.
Célestin is thought for his pace, ball management, and pinpoint crosses—qualities that make him harmful each as a winger and attacking midfielder. He additionally has a watch for purpose, making him a real utility participant.
He continued to impress within the 2025 World Cup qualifiers, serving to Haiti safe its spot in Qatar.
As of this writing, it stays unclear when the group will return house. Félix is anticipated to rejoin Actual Hope and play within the Haitian League, which resumed final week. Célestin will return to Jamaica, the place the Premier League is set to restart on Dec. 7 after being paused on account of Hurricane Melissa.