Melchie Dumonay of Haiti celebrates scoring her team’s first goal during the 2023 FIFA World Cup Play Off Tournament match between Chile and Haiti. Photo credit: FIFA via Twitter.
Dubbed one of the wonderkids to watch out for in the upcoming FIFA Women’s World Cup, Melchie Dumornay debuted in the U20 Women’s World Cup at just fourteen years old. She has since set the world alight with her appearances for Stade de Reims in France and for Haiti. We investigate her beginnings, milestones up to this point and key attributes that make her one to watch this Women’s World Cup.
Bursting onto the scene in U20 World Cup
Melchie Dumornay had her first start with AS Mirebalais, following which her coach at the time, Jean-Claude Josaphat, took her into the federation-owned training centre for all the Haitian youth national team when she was just ten years old. She was scouted by AS Tigressses which was where she landed the Haitian Women’s Soccer Championship in 2018, notably scoring the five goals that allowed the side to register a 5-2 victory over Anacaona SC. She was the league’s top scorer (25 goals in nine matches) and awarded the Best Player at just fifteen years old.
That summer several high-profile clubs took first note of Dumornay when she featured in the U20 World Cup in 2018. At the time, her nationality and age introduced several hurdles for those interested in signing her, thus she stayed with AS Tigresses until 2021.
Stade de Reims & Move to OL
Having first set eyes on her during the U20 World Cup, Stade de Reims kept up the interest and Dumornay signed her first professional contract with them in 2021. The youngster adapted to the Division 1 Femenine very quickly, something that her coach Amandine Miquel put simply up to her outstanding level as a player when questioned by Goal, “because she’s way better than the other players”. Indeed, the youngster hit the ground running, and this season racked up five goals in seven games, a feat which earned her the ‘Revelation of the Season’ award.
Olympique Lyonnais have had their eyes on the promising forward since the U20 World Cup in 2018 and have finally secured her signature this year on a three-year deal. She will now team up with top stars such as Ada Hegerberg and her longtime idol Wendie Renard, in search for more success. However, Dumornay has kept her feet on the ground and even at such a young age is set on helping those from her country achieve even more. Speaking to Goal she said, “I want to be able to open an academy back home in Haiti to provide opportunities to players that I didn’t have myself.”
Attributes and Chances with Haiti in World Cup
There is no doubt that Dumornay is capable of the spectacular, which she pairs with explosive pace and flair. She is a threat from set-pieces and should the chance for a counter-attack arise she often positions herself right on the shoulder of defenders, ready to outpace them in a heartbeat.
However, Dumornay also brings exceptional awareness and work ethic which allows the team to flourish and not just the individual. She is a versatile player and though perhaps most potent in a front three, she can also take up deeper roles which allows her more space and time on the ball to create chances.
Speaking with FIFA+, coach Nicolas Delepine spoke highly of the contributions that Dumornay brings to the side, “Having Melchie is key. She gives us the X factor. When there’s not much at all between teams, you’re looking for her to do something.”
Women’s World Cup
Haiti’s Melchie Dumornay introduced herself on the world stage in Brisbane as her nation made their FIFA Women’s World Cup debut against England. Speaking post-game, Durmornay said:
“I know a lot of people in Haiti are watching me, so I just tried to give my best, and all my teammates tried to give the same thing too.”
Dumornay made a serious impact on the pitch during Haiti’s match against England. According to FotMob, her player rating was a strong 7.0. In relation to her Haitian teammates, only Betina Petit Frere, Dayana Pierre and Kerly Theus ranked higher with 7.2, 7.4, and 8.0 ratings, respectively.
Elsewhere, Dumornay’s single shot earned her a 100 per cent accuracy statistic for the game, while her pass accuracy sat at a high 73 per cent. Throughout the entirety of the 90-minute game, Dumornay created three chances. Despite not winning any of her aerial duels, she won a total of 11 duels on the ground. Throughout the game, Dumornay also only committed one foul and had 58 touches in total.
The fate of Haiti’s progression to the round of 16 is in the hands of China and Denmark who both sit with 3 points to Haiti’s 0 points. However, Dumornay and the rest of the Haitian squad will not be going down without a fight at their first ever Women’s World Cup. Their final game of the group stage will be against Denmark. The match is scheduled to kick off on Tuesday, 1 August at Perth’s 20,500-capacity Rectangular Stadium.
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