Thirty years ago, Soni Mustivar’s parents packed up their things and crossed the expansive Atlantic Ocean to start a new life for themselves in France. They left behind everything they knew in their home country of Haiti, but in their new home, they clung devotedly to their Haitian heritage.
Years later, the couple gave birth to their son, Soni, in Ivry Sur Seine, France. The newest addition to the Mustivar family would grow up knowing the culture, landscapes and customs of France, but his parents were determined to instill an appreciation of Haitian culture in their son.
Twenty-six years later, that appreciation for his roots is exactly why midfielder Soni Mustivar takes exceptional pride in stepping onto the pitch in the colors of a country that’s not, by traditional standards, “his own.”
“I feel maybe a little more French because I was born and raised in France,” Mustivar said. “But I feel like I’m also a Haitian because of my parents. When I was young, my parents really wanted me to learn about where they’re from. That is really important for them, and that’s the reason I choose to play for Haiti — for my parents who left the country. This gives them the chance to still be connected to Haiti, and it makes them proud of me.”
The Sporting KC starter gained citizenship in Haiti as a result of his parent’s heritage, and began playing for the country’s national team in 2013. To him, stepping onto the pitch donning the blue and red of the Haitian flag is bigger than just collecting international caps — it’s about playing for the people who raised him.
“My parents are very proud of me when they see me represent their country, and they definitely push me every game,” Mustivar said. “It makes me proud and happy, especially for my mom who hasn’t gone back to Haiti for 30 years. So I know when I step onto the field for Haiti it’s for my parents, who had to leave their home early because the situation there was difficult.”
This summer, Mustivar will once again take the field beside his Haitian teammates for the Copa America Centenario — the biggest international competition Mustivar has ever appeared in. With some of the biggest names in the soccer world competing in the tournament, it’s also a chance for the ambitious 26-year-old to put his skills to the test against some of the best soccer teams in world.
“Copa is a unique tournament, especially this year because it’s the Centenario,” Mustivar said. “So that in itself is special. It’s also an opportunity for us to play against teams like Brazil and Argentina — big countries with big players. It’s a good test for me to play against that kind of player — players who play in Champions League every year and win trophies.”
But the Sporting KC midfielder also recognizes the competition means even more for Haiti. After all, Mustivar’s parents did leave the country to find a better life for themselves and their family. In fact, Haiti is one of the poorest countries in the western hemisphere with 80 percent of its citizens living in poverty. The country has also endured deadly natural disasters in recent years.
With bleak circumstances plaguing much of the country, Mustivar believes the 2016 Copa America tournament can provide a glimmer of hope and pride for many Haitian citizens.
“Copa America is really important for Haiti because of the situation of the country,” he said. “And it’s especially important for us because Haiti hasn’t been in a big competition like that since the [1974 World Cup], so this is definitely a big thing for our country. So thanks to Copa America, people who live in Haiti can have something different to think about than the stress in their lives. I’m really excited to help give them that. We don’t want to just be there and play the game. We want to do something big and special for the country.”
