‘Gang leaders are soccer lovers’ – Haiti play with hope for peace

Gang Leaders Are Soccer Lovers: Haiti's Hope for Peace

Gang leaders are soccer lovers - For a brief period, the city's chaos paused. In 2004, the presence of Brazil's World Cup-winning squad in Port-au-Prince transformed the streets of Haiti's war-ravaged capital. Haitian journalist Pierre Richard Midy recalls how foreign acquaintances questioned if Brazil was truly playing on their home soil, describing the scene as one of "almost surreal excitement." Thousands of residents, draped in yellow and green and adorned with Brazilian flags, gathered in the streets and perched in trees to catch a glimpse of their idols, such as Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, and Roberto Carlos.

Haiti's sole World Cup berth came in 1974, and since then, their supporters have turned to Brazil as a symbol of pride on the global stage. This connection deepened over the years as Brazil played a pivotal role in peacekeeping missions, humanitarian efforts, and aiding Haitian migration. The 2004 UN-organised friendly, though Haiti lost 6-0, became a fleeting moment of unity, with Midy noting "an atmosphere of peace" and gangs seemingly "ready to turn the page and cease fire for two days."

This year, Haitians are preparing for a rare opportunity to not only cheer for their own team but also face Brazil again in the World Cup. Both nations are grouped in Group C alongside Scotland and Morocco. Amidst the backdrop of ongoing gang violence and a humanitarian crisis intensified by natural disasters, such as the 2010 earthquake that claimed over 100,000 lives, the team's presence is a beacon of resilience. The national squad has not played a home match in five years, with security concerns and a lack of infrastructure forcing them to compete 500 miles away in Curacao.

A Legacy of Hope and Defiance

Despite the challenges, Haiti's footballers continue to embody the spirit of perseverance. Duckens Nazon, the country's all-time top scorer, reflects on the weight of their role: "When we put the shirt on, it's more than a normal game. We are the first independent black nation in the world. We have a lot of history. We have to assume this role." The team's upcoming matches, particularly against Brazil, are seen as a chance to inspire a new generation, with Nazon hoping the game can "leave a legacy that inspires peace." He adds, "You're not obligated to take weapons. You're not obligated to go with gangs or to deal or smoke drugs. There are so many ways to get out of the struggle."

"We have many players who have never been in Haiti, so before the game starts, sometimes I used to share with them the reality of the country, the responsibility we have on our shoulders," said Nazon.

Woodensky Pierre, Haiti's sole homegrown player, is a testament to the challenges faced by the nation's athletes. Raised in the slum of Cite Soleil, he plays for Violette AC, whose home ground, Stade Sylvio Cator, became a battleground for gang activity two years ago. The club's recent league victory was overshadowed by the delay of their final match due to gunfire, yet Pierre remains a symbol of endurance. Midy describes him as "a living symbol of our endurance and talent, embodying the belief that 'we are not finished, we still have strength in our roots.'"

Amnesty International reported over 5,600 fatalities in Haiti alone in 2024, against a population of approximately 11.5 million. Yet, as the World Cup approaches, football continues to offer a fleeting escape. For Haitian fans, the matches are not just about scoring goals—they are about carrying the hopes of a nation that has long struggled to find peace in the face of violence.