Not Argentina — Kiki will play for his homeland Haiti

Vélez Sarsfield young footballer Stephen 'Kiki' Ramos has decided to play for Haiti instead of Argentina. He will take the field in Haiti's colours at the FIFA Under-17 World Cup in Qatar. The young winger has chosen Haiti on the international stage out of respect for his homeland.

Ramos was born on April 3, 2009, in Port-au-Prince, the capital of Haiti. After the devastating earthquake of 2010, he moved to Argentina as a child. An Argentine family later adopted him. Growing up in Buenos Aires, Ramos built his football career there, playing in the age-group teams of the club Vélez Sarsfield.

He had earlier played a few friendly matches for Argentina's Under-17 team. But this time, in choosing a national team, he has given priority to his homeland, Haiti. The Haitian Football Federation (FHF) officially confirmed his decision on social media.

The federation's statement said: "Stephen Oscar Ramos, nicknamed Kiki. Born on April 3, 2009, in Port-au-Prince. This young Vélez Sarsfield player has chosen Haiti and will join the national Under-17 team in Brazil."

The statement added: "On behalf of the Grenadier family, the FHF welcomes him. Thanks to his agent and Vélez Sarsfield for their cooperation. Kiki, you have come home!"

Ramos, known for his speed, physical strength and attacking play, is regarded as one of Haiti's most promising young footballers. He recently signed his first professional contract with Vélez Sarsfield, although he is yet to make his debut for the club's first team.

The Under-17 World Cup will be held in Qatar from November 19 to December 13. Haiti has been drawn in Group D, where their opponents are France, Saudi Arabia and Uruguay.

Despite having played friendlies for Argentina's age-group team, there is no obstacle to Ramos representing Haiti in international football. Playing in a friendly for a national team does not permanently bind a player to that country, so the opportunity remains for him to play for Haiti at senior level in the future as well.

Kiki's decision is being seen as a big gain for Haitian football. Combining his attachment to his homeland with the talent developed in Vélez's youth setup, the young winger could become one of the main hopes of Haiti's Under-17 team at the World Cup in Qatar.