The City of North Miami Beach proudly honored Haitian international soccer star Duckens Nazon on Saturday, April 11, 2026, by presenting him with the Key to the City and an official proclamation in recognition of his remarkable athletic achievements and his crucial role in Haiti’s historic qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
A special Welcome Reception and Press Conference was held to celebrate the occasion, drawing residents, members of the Haitian community, and representatives from Little Haiti FC and the Miami World Cup Host Committee. The event was hosted by the Mayor and City Commission of North Miami Beach, with City Manager Darvin Williams leading the proceedings.
In his address, City Manager Williams stated:
“North Miami Beach is proud to celebrate excellence that reflects the diversity and spirit of our community. Honoring Duckens Nazon provides an opportunity to uplift cultural pride, inspire our youth, and bring our community together in a meaningful way.”
Nazon, who is Haiti’s all-time leading goal scorer with 44 international goals for Les Grenadiers, expressed heartfelt gratitude during the ceremony.
“You show me the love. So, I had to come in person to take the key,” Nazon told the enthusiastic crowd.
He also spoke directly to the Haitian community, emphasizing national pride and declaring that Haiti’s qualification for the 2026 World Cup is “only the beginning.”
The program featured a welcome reception, formal remarks, the reading of the official proclamation, the symbolic presentation of the Key to the City, and a press conference with media Q&A.
The celebration brought together generations of Haitian football talent. In attendance were legendary former Haitian international players, including Ernst “Ze-Nono” Jean-Baptiste, who represented Haiti from 1975 to 1981, and Wilfried Louis, a defender who played for Haiti in the 1974 FIFA World Cup in Germany.
Ernst “Ze-Nono” Jean-Baptiste delivered a heartfelt speech on behalf of the older generation of Haitian national team players, highlighting the significance of Nazon’s achievements for Haitian pride and future generations.
Also present were county commissioners, members of local club team Little Haiti FC, and many community supporters who came to witness the special moment.
Duckens Nazon’s honor reflects the deep connection between the City of North Miami Beach and its vibrant Haitian community, celebrating not only individual excellence but also the shared joy of a historic national achievement.
