Goalkeeper Garissone Innocent joins Atlético Ottawa ahead of 2026 season

Garissone Innocent, a Haitian international goalkeeper developed in Paris Saint-Germain’s academy with experience in Europe’s top and second divisions, has signed a one-year contract with Atlético Ottawa ahead of the 2026 Canadian Premier League season, the club announced.

Innocent, 25, has already appeared twice for Haiti’s senior national team and was included in the squad for the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup, marking his transition from youth development into full international competition.

“Garissone brings a strong international pedigree and valuable experience that will be a real asset to our squad,” Atlético Ottawa general manager JD Ulanowski said in a press release. “We’re confident he’ll fit into the squad quickly, especially considering the strong francophone presence in our team and our backline. He trains and plays with real intensity, and that mentality will continue to raise the standards and levels within our team.”

The Canadian Premier League is a lower-profile competition compared with the European leagues where Innocent previously played, but it offers clubs regular domestic competition. Atlético Ottawa has increasingly recruited players with international and European backgrounds, positioning Innocent as one of the most experienced goalkeepers in the squad.

Innocent moved to KAS Eupen in Belgium’s top division in 2022 before joining FK Riteriai of Lithuania in 2025, where he made 11 appearances across all competitions. He also appeared three times for Stade Malherbe Caen in France’s Ligue 2 during the 2020–21 season while on loan from PSG.

“Joining Atlético Ottawa is a very important step in my career,” Innocent said. “It’s an ambitious project in a city that continues to cultivate soccer with passion and pride. I come here determined to give everything, improve every day and help the team achieve its goals.”

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