Grenadier Pierrot gets hero's welcome from Cap-Haïtien to Bas-Limbé
Thousands lined roads to honor Haiti's World Cup striker as grassroots celebrations continue in the absence of an official national reception.
CAP-HAÏTIEN — Thousands of supporters lined the roads from Cap-Haïtien to Bas-Limbé on July 10 to welcome Haiti striker Frantzdy Pierrot, continuing grassroots celebrations honoring Les Grenadiers' historic return to the FIFA World Cup after 52 years, The Haitian Times reported.
Pierrot is the latest member of Haiti's World Cup squad to receive a hero's welcome. Days earlier, diaspora-based players Duckens Nazon, Martin Expérience and Josué Duverger were celebrated across the northern and southern regions, while locally-based midfielder Woodensky Pierre, the first to return alongside Danley Jean-Jacques, joined them at historic sites.
The individual homecomings come months after qualification, when fans urged government officials and the Haitian Football Federation to organize a nationwide tour. Those calls have largely gone unanswered, leaving municipalities and local groups to welcome players. According to the report, ongoing gang violence forced Les Grenadiers to play every qualifier and tournament match abroad and to train outside Haiti.
Pierrot arrived at Cap-Haïtien International Airport, then received a plaque at City Hall from local officials and the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Civic Action. He traveled roughly 20 miles to his native Bas-Limbé, standing in a pickup truck to greet supporters. "There are some expressions of affection that you can only receive at home," he said.