Sunderland striker opens up on emotional Haiti decision, family roots and his ambition to make World Cup history with national side
Wilson Isidor has spoken of his pride after committing his international future to Haiti, with the Sunderland forward set to represent the nation for the first time in the upcoming international break.
The striker will link up with his new teammates ahead of fixtures against Tunisia and Iceland, with a potential World Cup on the horizon, adding further significance to his decision.
Speaking about his call-up, Isidor admitted that the moment carries deep personal meaning. “Proud, really proud to represent that country in the eyes of the world,” he said. “I’m really happy to be Haitian and to represent them with my talents and attributes. I’m just really happy about it, and I hope now we’re going to do really good things all together.”
Isidor’s connection to Haiti runs deep, with strong family ties influencing what he described as a difficult but meaningful decision. “My grandpa is Haitian, and my dad was also born in Haiti, so I’ve always had a strong link - it’s deep inside me,” he explained. “Even though I’m French, it was sometimes difficult to make that choice. It felt like choosing between my mum and my dad. But I’m really happy with the decision I’ve made today, and I hope in the future it will pay off.”
The move also sees Isidor carve out a unique place in Sunderland’s history, becoming the first Haitian international to represent the club. “Yes, when I said yes to the call-up, my main aim was to help the country grow and achieve things,” he said. “To now be the first Haitian to play for Sunderland makes me really happy. I hope there will be more in the future and that they can be inspired by me.”
With his first international fixtures now approaching, Isidor is eager to make an immediate impact - both on and off the pitch. “First of all, just playing - that’s the most important thing,” he said. “I’m also really looking forward to meeting the fans because they are amazing. I know they are massive in Canada and the USA, so I can’t wait to meet them in the next games and hopefully at the World Cup as well.”
That mention of the World Cup is no coincidence. For Isidor, the opportunity to play on football’s biggest stage has been a major driving force behind his decision. “Of course, it’s very exciting,” he said. “One of my dreams was to play in the Premier League, and now I hope to achieve another one by playing in the World Cup. I’ve always wanted to leave a beautiful legacy for my kids, and I hope they will be proud if I can achieve those two things. That would be really special.”
The significance of a potential World Cup appearance extends beyond personal ambition, with Isidor highlighting the wider impact it could have on the nation. “Everyone dreams of playing in a World Cup,” he said. “When I knew there was an opportunity, it pushed me even more to say yes. We had been talking for a long time, sometimes more than others, but the World Cup really helped everyone make the right decision.
“I hope through this competition we can build something for the future of our country and help people going through difficult times - to bring them joy and a bit of freedom, even if it’s just for a few hours or days. I’m really excited, and I think the period before and during the World Cup will be amazing for the country.”
Isidor is also motivated by the chance to write his name into Haitian football history, with the nation still waiting for another World Cup goalscorer more than five decades on. “It’s been 52 years since Haiti were last at a World Cup and the first goalscorer is a big, big legend,” he said. “I hope to be the second one. We know it will be difficult - Brazil, Morocco, Scotland - it won’t be easy. But we will give everything we have and, like I said, try to bring joy to people who deserve it.”
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