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The Haitian Times
Bridging the gap
Haitian soccer star Melchie Daelle ‘Corventua’ Dumornay won the 2025-2026 UNFP Trophy for Best Player in France’s Arkema Première Ligue after a standout season with Olympique Lyonnais Féminin. The 22-year-old midfielder beat several top players in the French league to earn one of the country’s highest honors in women’s soccer. During her acceptance speech in Paris, Dumornay thanked Haitians worldwide in Creole, drawing praise from fans online.
Haitian soccer star Melchie Daelle Dumornay won the 2025-2026 Best Player in France’s Arkema Première Ligue Monday night in Paris, awarded by the National Union of Professional Footballers (UNFP). She became the first Haitian athlete— including both male and female categories— to receive the prestigious honor in one of the top European soccer leagues.
The 22-year-old midfielder received the award during the Trophées UNFP 34th ceremony held at the Palais Brongniart in Paris after a standout season with Olympique Lyonnais, also known as OL Lyonnes.
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In her acceptance speech, Dumornay thanked her teammates and coaching staff at her club and national team for their support, acknowledging that soccer is a team sport.
“I dedicated this trophy to my teammates and the team staff. Without your support, I wouldn’t be here today,” the Haitian star said.
She also spoke in her native Creole language and thanked Haitians for supporting her throughout her career.
“Mesi a tout moun, tout Ayisyen ki toujou ap sipote m. Mwen se yon imaj enspiran nan peyi m. Mesi,” Dumornay said during the ceremony.
The moment quickly drew praise from Haitian fans on social media, many celebrating her decision to speak in Creole on one of French soccer’s biggest stages.
“Melchie Dumornay is the Best Player this season!” wrote Facebook user Marie Judith Sainval. “March toward the Ballon d’Or.”
And the Haitian Football Federation (FHF) also celebrated, congratulating the native of Mirebalais. “Women’s soccer: Big shout out to Melchie!” FHF posted on its Facebook page.
“Melchie Daëlle Dumornay continues to shine for Haiti on the international stage with his exceptional talent and determination. The country salutes with great pride the great achievement of this son of the soil, who won the French championship along with the distinction of the best player of the season.”
Dumornay, widely known as “Corventina” among Haitian fans, beat out teammate Tabitha Chawinga, along with Sakina Karchaoui and Romee Leuchter of Paris Saint-Germain Féminine, and Clara Matéo of Paris FC Féminines.
The award capped another major season for Dumornay, who helped Lyon compete for domestic titles while continuing to establish herself as one of the top young players in women’s soccer.
Dumornay was also selected to the league’s Team of the Year and helped Lyon win the Coupe de la Ligue earlier this season.
Dumornay’s rise has continued to draw attention beyond Haiti, with many observers now viewing her as one of the best midfielders in the women’s game.
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