Overview:
Haitian soccer prodigy Lourdjina Étienne signed with F.C. Fleury on July 14. Étienne is widely seen as the most promising young Haitian talent since Melchie Dumornay’s teenage rise to stardom. Her move would add to Haiti’s rising legacy in France’s D1 Arkema league.
CAP-HAÏTIEN— Haitian teen sensation Lourdjina Étienne has officially signed with French club team F.C. Fleury on July 15, becoming the latest prodigy from the country to break into Europe’s elite women’s soccer leagues.
“I would like to be among the best,” Étienne told fans in a recent interview.
“I would also like to bring the club to a higher level. I’m happy to sign with Fleury.”
For many Haitian athletes, a professional contract abroad is more than a dream — it’s a lifeline. With domestic leagues suspended due to escalating gang violence and political instability, opportunities to grow within Haiti have vanished. Étienne’s move symbolizes more than personal success; it reflects the hopes of a generation of Haitian players who view soccer as one of the few viable paths out of crisis.
Étienne’s transfer adds to a growing legacy of Haitian women excelling in France’s D1 Arkema league, joining elite players like Melchie Dumornay and Batcheba Louis. Her path continues a trend nearly a decade in the making, where France has become a critical destination for Haiti’s top female soccer players.
The agile striker from Cap-Haïtien turned 18 on July 14, becoming eligible for her first professional contract. Her breakout came in February 2024 at the CONCACAF U‑17 Championship, where she netted eight goals in four matches and earned the tournament’s top player award.
Her performance attracted tryouts with elite European clubs, including giants like FC Barcelona, Olympique Lyonnais and Paris Saint-Germain. Although those clubs passed, Étienne’s trajectory closely mirrors that of Dumornay, who joined Lyon in 2023 and was named the team’s Player of the Year.
Dumornay first tried out with Lyon but was signed by a smaller team, Stade de Reims, where she proved her worth.
Though talented, Etienne faces formidable opportunities and steep challenges in breaking into Spanish giant FC Barcelona’s elite system.
Étienne’s signing also comes as local opportunities dwindle. Haiti’s women’s league has been dormant since early 2022, and players have been left to train independently or not at all. Étienne stayed sharp under the guidance of longtime trainer Johnny Saintilien.
Étienne’s entourage and Haitian soccer fans are extremely delighted because the country’s starlet is taking her talent to France, an important step in her career.
“I’m happy for her and proud,” Johnny Saintilien, Etienne’s soccer trainer when she was in Cap-Haïtien.
This growing presence of Haitian women’s players in France began when Nérilia Mondesir signed her first professional contract with Montpellier in 2017.
Mondesir paved the way as one of Haiti’s first exports to the French women’s soccer league. It was a pivotal moment for Haitian women’s soccer. Dumornay followed in 2021 with Stade de Reims before moving to Lyon. Batcheba Louis and Kethna Louis are among other Haitian players making waves in D1 Arkema.
In Haiti, Étienne last played for Association Sportive Tigresses in Port-au-Prince. But the local women’s league has been dormant amid escalating gang violence. With no official matches since early 2024, Etienne trained regularly with Saintilien to maintain her sharpness.
“Players like [Lourdjina] give me more strength to help other players make their dreams come true.”
Johnny Saintilien, soccer trainer
“She’s one of the players I spent the most time working with, and I had that dream for her,” Saintilien said. “The work and sacrifices are finally paying off.”
In France, she’ll join a growing community of Haitian players making an impact in D1 Arkema. A trend that began with Mondesir’s move to Montpellier and has continued to grow steadily since. Today, 13 Haitian women play in the league, highlighting a rare point of pride amid the country’s mounting turmoil.
Étienne’s absence from the Haitian national team has been felt. Haiti’s U‑20 squad failed to qualify for the 2024 World Cup without her, and the senior team has struggled in friendlies.
“Players like [Lourdjina] give me more strength to help other players make their dreams come true,” Saintilien added.
Étienne will step into a league where Haitian talent is flourishing — a testament to the country’s soccer potential.
Below is a list of all of the current Haitian players in D1 Arkema.
