Frantzdy Pierrot was honoured at the State House before the World Cup. He used the moment to launch FOFPI for the next generation.
On Tuesday, May 26, 2026, the Massachusetts State House filled with the sound of the Melrose High School marching band. They were playing for one of their own, Frantzdy Pierrot, a striker for Haiti’s national team who grew up in Melrose. Governor Maura Healey declared the day Frantzdy Pierrot Day across the state of Massachusetts, as he stood at the front.
Governor Healey did not hide where her heart was. “I know I’m governor and I’m not supposed to be choosing sides, but let’s be honest,” she told the room. “Today, I’m gonna say, ‘Vive Haiti.’”
Boston City Councilor Ruthzee Louijeune marked the day as well. Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll, FIFA representatives, and MLS shareholders, along with Frantzdy’s former coaches and teammates and his father, Destine Pierrot, were present at the State House. “I’m so proud of him,” his father said. “I’m so proud of myself, I’m so proud for the country.” Brian Bilello, the New England Revolution President, did not hide his admiration for Pierrot. “What an amazing player he is,” Bilello shared during the ceremony.
Governor Maura Healey marks Frantzdy Pierrot Day at the podium, the Melrose High School marching band on the steps behind.
The honour took place in a special moment, just weeks before Haiti’s return to the World Cup for the first time in 52 years, the country’s first appearance on the global stage since 1974. On June 13th, the Haitian national team faced Scotland at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, a short drive from Boston, the city which developed Pierrot as a player in the United States.
Very few people understand the realities Haitian children face daily. Pierrot’s story represents the resilience Haitians develop through life. He moved to Boston at the age of 11, but he was born in Haiti, playing in the dirt with no ball, no boots, and no fields. “We didn’t have a soccer ball or football shoes, so we had to make our own balls with socks and fill it up with trash or a bunch of clothes to make it round so we could play,” says Pierrot. “It was hard, but it was fun.”
In Melrose High School he found fields, coaches, and a team. His youth career was not straightforward. He played at Melrose High, Northeastern University, and Coastal Carolina, and was drafted into MLS before he began his professional career in Europe. Now Pierrot is the third all time goal scorer for Haiti, with 34 goals for the national team. Governor Healey reminded the room of that, and did not hide her hope that he would soon become number one.
The day at the State House was not only about how far Pierrot had come. Number 20 of the Haitian national team reminded the world that he represents opportunity. He announced FOFPI, a foundation in his name, built to develop young footballers in Haiti and open pathways to clubs and academies abroad. His reasoning was simple. “Haiti has always had potential but not enough opportunities,” he said. “I believe a child’s future should not depend on them leaving their home. There must be opportunity where they are.”
The greatest legacy is not what we achieve for ourselves. The greatest legacy is what we build for others.
Frantzdy Pierrot, Striker, Haiti national team and Founder, FOFPI
That line is the idea at the center of the foundation. Pierrot was clear that he wants to give others what he did not have, what he was missing and had to learn the hard way. Through FOFPI he is providing mentorship, exposure, and long term career management to everyone who trusts him, his team, his partners, and his intentions. All Pierrot works for is the future and development of Haitian football talent worldwide. He wants to give football back what football keeps giving him.
Frantzdy with family and officials in the Governor’s office, the flags of the United States and Haiti behind them.
Frantzdy’s childhood was split between two worlds, Haiti and a second home in Massachusetts. Both stood in the room to celebrate his inspirational journey. FOFPI is his answer to the hardships that shaped him.
It aims to give children in Haiti the fields, the coaching, and the opportunities he once had to cross an ocean to find. The work only begins now. The goal is that the next child with a dream will not be left behind and will not have to leave home to chase it.
Frantzdy celebrates with family and supporters at the State House.
Follow the foundation from the first kick. Get updates on the academies, the selected 100, and the road to the tournament.