By Mythsouka Jean-Philippe

In a recent ranking published on Instagram by Footy_Rankz in collaboration with Bajofootball, highlighting the 24 best Caribbean footballers of all time, a major omission has sparked astonishment and debate among football fans. Emmanuel Sanon, undisputed legend of Haitian football, was the only representative of this nation in this prestigious list, ranked in eighth place.

The Top 24 looked like this
1. Jocelyn Angloma (Guadeloupe)
2. Dwight Yorke (Trinidad and Tobago)
3. Florent Malouda (French Guiana)
4. Frank Sinclair (Jamaica)
5. Lindy Delapenha (Jamaica)
6. Francisco Arencibia (Cuba)
7. Clyde Best (Bermudes)
8. Emmanuel Sanon (Haiti)
9. Wes Morgan (Jamaica)
10. Warren Archibald (Trinidad and Tobago)
11. Juan Tuñas (Cuba)
12. Eduardo Ordoñez (Porto Rico)
13. Ruel Fox (Montserrat)
14. Charles Eduard Coridon (Martinique)
15. Franck Tanasi (Martinique)
16. Humphrey Mijnals (Suriname)
17. Ergilio Hato (Curaçao)
18. Michail Antonio (Jamaica)
19. Randy Horton (Bermudes)
20. Shaun Goater (Bermudes)
21. Andre Kamperveen (Suriname)
22. Shaka Hislop (Trinidad and Tobago)
23. Julien Faubert (Martinique)
24. Hector Socorro (Cuba)

However, within the Haitian community and among observers of regional football, the choice of Sanon as the only Haitian ambassador raised legitimate questions. Indeed, several other Haitian players could have claimed a place in this Top 24, or even surpassed some of the chosen ones.

Among the names that resonate strongly in the history of Haitian football, we find that of Philippe Vorbe. This emblematic midfielder, a true maestro on the pitch, left his mark on several generations of supporters. His vision of the game and his ability to orchestrate offensive phases undoubtedly make him one of the greatest players the country has ever known.

Likewise, Wilde Donald Guerrier, who had a very good career, could have claimed a place in this ranking. His contribution to the national team, as well as his remarkable performances within European clubs, testify to his impact on the international scene.

And how can we not mention Joe Gaetjens, the man who allowed the United States to triumph over Stanley Matthews’ England at the 1950 World Cup? Jean-Jacques Pierre and Kim Jaggy, respected figures in Haitian football, could also have claimed a legitimate place in this ranking. Their exemplary professional career and their dedication to the national team make them worthy representatives to be among the Caribbean elite.

In conclusion, if the presence of Emmanuel Sanon in the Top 24 of the Caribbean deserves to be celebrated, it is undeniable that other emblematic figures of Haitian football should also have been honored. Their exclusion highlights the importance of recognizing and paying homage to Haiti’s rich footballing talent and heritage.