Melchie Daëlle Dumornay, a Haitian Star Among the Elite of World Football
Melchie Daëlle Dumornay is a professional Haitian footballer who plays in the first division of the French women’s league. She was born in Haiti, in a mid-sized town called Mirebalais, on August 17, 2003. At just 21 years old, she has become the only Haitian personality, regardless of gender or category, to be nominated among the 30 candidates for the prestigious individual award that is the France Football Ballon d’Or.
Indeed, the 21-year-old finds herself — unsurprisingly — on the shortlist for the 2025 Ballon d’Or, alongside some of the biggest names in world football, after an exceptional season both individually — scoring 24 goals and providing 10 assists in just 31 matches — and collectively. She reached the semi-finals of the UEFA Women’s Champions League (where she was named best player of the 2024-2025 season) and won the French league title with her Lyon teammates.
Melchie Daëlle Dumornay is simply confirming the incredible potential she began showing as a teenager. Already at just 15, she had achieved feats that prompted a club like Stade de Reims to closely follow her and sign her as soon as she turned 18. Since then, she has continuously made an impact and opened the door to a future full of achievements at the highest levels of world football.
Being named by the prestigious Goal magazine as the NxGn Award winner in 2022 — an award given each year to the most promising young player in world football — confirmed her enormous potential. One season later, in 2023, she was named best player by the CONCACAF confederation.
What must be especially understood is that Melchie Daëlle Dumornay is a survivor. Where she was born, becoming a footballer was far from obvious. Not to mention that even now, as she shines, thousands of young women like her are suffering under the insecurity imposed by numerous armed groups that control large parts of Haiti, including Mirebalais, the champion’s hometown.
However, it would be entirely unfair to attribute the success of the 21-year-old to mere luck, as she has truly given her all to perfecting her talent. In her hometown, she is even described as a born fighter. It is said that she started playing football by challenging older boys. It’s worth noting that she didn’t have a real role model in this regard — her path was entirely revolutionary.
And now, just as people speak of "Mbappé projects" in France, she has made the idea of a “Melchie project” possible — through her faith and passion for her country’s most beloved sport — in Haiti, in the Haitian diaspora, and even across the globe. She is well on her way to becoming a global star, with the power to inspire people in every corner of the world.
First black nation to free itself from slavery and gain independence from France in 1804 and influenced other liberation movements around the world, inspiring struggles for freedom and equality.
Natural beauty
Haïti is blessed with spectacular natural landscapes, including white sand beaches, mountains and rich biodiversity.
Heritage
Haïti has a rich historical heritage, including sites like the Citadelle Laferrière and the Sans-Souci Palace, listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Culture
Haïti has a rich and diverse culture, influenced by African, European and indigenous elements. Haitian music, dance, art and cuisine are celebrated around the world.
