Jeff Barrionette, beloved Haitian soccer midfielder with a ‘magical left foot’, dies at 27

CAP-HAÏTIEN — Jeff Barrionette, one of southern Haiti’s most beloved soccer midfielders and a fan favorite for his dazzling left foot, died on July 28 after collapsing during a match in Les Cayes. He was 27.

At Parc Nerva Delva in Lakou Simon, where he was representing the amateur club Love a Kè—“Love at Heart”—in a summer league game. He fainted mid-game and was transported to the hospital. He never regained consciousness, according to a former teammate.

Known for his signature passe cachée, French for “hidden pass,” Barrionette delivered mouthwatering assists with such finesse that he left defenders guessing and fans gasping. Whether playing for a top-tier team or a local summer squad, he brought joy to every field he touched.

The cause of Barrionete’s death is unknown, but his sudden passing plunged Haiti’s soccer community into deep mourning.

Few knew him better than Feguens Joseph, also known by his nickname Ramirès, a nod to the Brazilian footballer. The two shared not only a midfield but a home, having lived together for over a year in Les Cayes. They shared meals, dreams, and daily routines, shopping at the local market for fruits to make fresh juices and practicing long passes. 

“I’m broken to the point that I feel like I’m not even living anymore,” Joseph said. “On Saturday, he told me he was well [over text]. Then on Sunday, something went wrong on the field. Jeff died. I regret that I will not see my brother again.” 

Since Barrionette’s passing, Joseph has not returned to the field. The grief is compounded by fears that he is not healthy enough to play.

From Port-au-Prince to Petit-Gôave and beyond

Barrionette’s soccer journey began in Port-au-Prince, where he was born, but it took root in the western commune of Petit-Gôave, where he grew up after losing his mother at the age of five.

He would later return to the capital, where he played for the country’s historic club, Aigle Noir Athlétic Club. But as violence escalated in Port-au-Prince, Barrionette and his father fled. His father settled in Petit-Goâve while Barionette moved to Aquin, drawn by his soccer network.

He played for several top clubs, including Racing Club Haïtien and Real Hope Football Academy. Eventually, he joined Les Cayes Football Club, a second division team.

Barrionette found stardom in the chanpyona vakans—amateur summer tournaments where he routinely earned “Man of the Match” honors and was revered for his creativity and vision.

“He was a terrific player, a very good lefty,” Schneider ‘Dèdè’ Kernizan, a Les Cayes player, said, reminiscing on when he played against Barrionette. “I wasn’t close to him, but we’re all deeply affected by his death.”

Off the field, Barrionette was known for his calm temperament. He rarely argued, not even with referees.

Haiti’s players overworked and under-tested

On Feb. 28, just months before Barrionette’s death, another Haitian player, Olnick “Fabregas” Alesy of Arcahaie Football Club, died of a heart attack during a pickup game in Arcahaie, a western commune. He was 31.

It was a warning sign the community largely missed.

In Haiti, many soccer players—especially in amateur circuits—play multiple games in a week without the benefit of medical evaluations. They often compete relentlessly in the summer leagues to earn income. Some skip meals, eat poorly, and drink excessively, according to residents and fellow players. The grind is physical. The risks are often invisible.

Joseph admitted he’s never undergone a medical screening, himself. He doubts Barrionette had either.

The week of his death, Barrionette had just played in Léogâne and was scheduled to appear in Aquin after his match in Les Cayes. Joseph emphasized that Barrionette didn’t drink alcohol but often went without eating.

“He never showed signs of illness,” Joseph said.

Medical screenings for Haitian footballers are rare. One of the only times they’re conducted is ahead of international competitions. This month, Juventus des Cayes players were tested in preparation for the CONCACAF Caribbean Cup. One player was found to have a heart condition—completely undetected until then.

“That player could’ve gone on the field and fainted,” Marcval Esmeus, communications manager for the club, told The Haitian Times. “We don’t know which players in the league are playing with undiagnosed health issues. Se mèt kò ki veye kò, (One has to be cautious about one’s health). The players have to get tested.”

Joseph, like many others, can’t afford a private exam. But he plans to demand one from his club when the new season starts.

“I’m really scared, imagine your boy, your brother dying on the field,” Joseph said, laughing nervously. “Why am I scared? Do I have an illness I don’t know about? I feel healthy, but I’m not a doctor. I don’t have a device that detects illnesses in my body.”

Barrionette is survived by his girlfriend and countless teammates who considered him family.

His funeral will be held Aug. 7 at Église Notre Dame de Petit-Goâve at 9 a.m. local time.

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