|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Jean Ricner Bellegarde is one of the latest recruits to the Haitian national team. Since his arrival, he has controlled the team’s play and will be an essential player at the 2026 World Cup.
Born on June 27, 1998, in Colombes, near Paris, Jean-Ricner Bellegarde, who plays in Europe’s top tier, is a key player for the Haitian national team. A dynamic and technically gifted central midfielder, he currently plays for Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League.
The son of Haitian parents, Bellegarde began playing football at CS Villetaneuse before joining Le Mans FC. However, it was at RC Lens that he truly honed his skills upon his arrival in 2016. During his second season, he gradually established himself in the Lens squad, notably scoring his first professional goal against Quevilly-Rouen. Before even turning 20, he wore the captain’s armband on several occasions.
In 2019, Bellegarde signed with RC Strasbourg Alsace, a Ligue 1 club. Over four seasons, he became an indispensable member of the team, making no fewer than 129 appearances in all competitions.
Versatile and capable of playing as a box-to-box midfielder or defensive midfielder, he stands out for his ability to win back possession, direct play, and drive forward. One of his most memorable moments remains the free kick he scored in the dying seconds against Reims in 2021, securing a valuable draw.
On September 1, 2023, he joined Wolverhampton Wanderers. The transfer fee was estimated at nearly £12.8 million. In the Premier League, he scored his first goal in November 2023 against Sheffield United, with a powerful late strike. Over the following months, he established himself as a reliable player in the Wolves’ rotation, able to compete physically while maintaining his technical ability. During the 2024-2025 season, he confirmed this rise in form with solid performances and decisive contributions.
A French international at youth levels (U19, U20, U21), Bellegarde hesitated for a long time before choosing to represent Haiti. Finally, in 2025, after several discussions with coach Sébastien Migné, he decided to represent the Grenadiers.
He earned his first cap on September 6, 2025, against Honduras, in a 2026 World Cup qualifier. From his debut wearing the number 10 jersey, he impressed with his technical precision, boasting a pass completion rate close to 90%. He quickly became a key player for the national team thanks to his experience, composure, and leadership.
His contribution was crucial in Haiti’s historic qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
At 27, Bellegarde is a valuable and impressive player. His high work rate, his ability to win back possession, and his vision make him the ideal player to lead the team’s attack in the competition.
