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Stephen “Kiki” Ramos has already overcome odds few footballers could imagine. Born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, on April 3, 2009, he survived the devastating earthquake that struck the country less than a year later. The disaster killed an estimated 316,000 people, according to figures released by then Prime Minister Jean-Max Bellerive in January 2011. Before his first birthday, Ramos was adopted by an Argentine family, who brought him to South America and gave him a new beginning.
That journey has now led to a milestone in Argentine football. Ramos was called up by coach Diego Placente for an Argentina Under-17 training camp at the Ezeiza training complex, becoming the first player born in Haiti to receive a call-up to any Argentine national team. He has since gone a step further, making his debut in Argentina’s 2-1 friendly win over Ecuador and becoming the first Haitian-born player to wear the Albiceleste at any level.
His football journey began almost by accident. At six years old, a neighbor who supported Vélez Sarsfield introduced him to the club in Liniers. Ramos quickly progressed through the academy and has emerged as one of Vélez’s brightest attacking prospects. Known for his pace, finishing ability and direct style on the left wing, he has scored 12 goals for the club’s youth side.
His debut has drawn attention well beyond Argentina. Spanish sports newspaper Marca described the victory over Ecuador as a historic occasion because of Ramos’ appearance, while Argentine media reported that he is the first Black player to represent the country’s youth national teams. If he eventually reaches the senior squad, Ramos would become only the fourth Black player to represent Argentina, following Alejandro de los Santos, José Ramos Delgado and Héctor Baley.
De los Santos, an Afro-Argentine, was the first Black footballer to play for Argentina’s senior team. He helped the country win the 1925 South American Championship, now known as the Copa América, in what proved to be his only international appearance.
Breaking into Argentina’s youth system is a daunting task in a nation that has produced legends like Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi. Competition for places is fierce, making Ramos’ rise all the more remarkable. Despite having no biological ties to Argentina, he has earned his place among the country’s most promising young players.
His emergence has also resonated in Haiti, where many see his success as another example of the global impact of the Haitian diaspora. Young players of Haitian heritage continue to emerge in academies and youth national teams across Europe, North America and South America. Some hope Ramos’ breakthrough could inspire future opportunities for Haitian football.
For now, FIFA eligibility rules still allow Ramos time to decide which country he will represent at senior level. Supporters in both Haiti and Argentina will be watching his next steps closely.
Ramos says his immediate focus is to keep developing at Vélez Sarsfield and earn more opportunities with Argentina’s youth teams as he works toward a professional career. Whatever nation he ultimately represents, his journey from surviving one of Haiti’s darkest tragedies to making history in Argentine football has already become an inspiring story for many in the Haitian community.
By: Andrews Kwesi Yeboah