By Le Floridien Staff |
Seventeen-year-old Stephen “Kiki” Ramos, the Haitian-born football prospect rapidly emerging as one of Argentina’s most promising young players, has reached another important milestone in his career by joining the Nike family.
Ramos announced the partnership on his official Instagram account, sharing his excitement and gratitude over an opportunity he said he had dreamed about since childhood.
“ I am very happy and grateful to have been able to join the Nike family, something I dreamed about since I was a child,” Ramos wrote in Spanish.
The young forward thanked Nike for placing its trust in him, while also recognizing Vélez Sarsfield for supporting his development. He expressed special appreciation to his family and those who have remained by his side throughout his journey.
“I know this is the result of a lot of effort and hard work, but it is also only one more small step along the way,” he added. “There is still so much ahead, and I have to continue working and learning every day.”
The financial value, duration and specific terms of the Nike agreement have not been publicly disclosed. Nevertheless, the partnership represents a significant achievement for a player who is still developing in the youth divisions. Nike’s decision to associate its brand with Ramos suggests that the international sportswear company recognizes his athletic ability, growing public profile and long-term potential.
FROM HAITI TO A NIKE SPONSORSHIP
Born in Port-au-Prince on April 3, 2009, Ramos was adopted by an Argentine family when he was an infant and grew up in Buenos Aires. His football journey began in the neighborhood, where his talent reportedly caught the attention of a Vélez Sarsfield supporter who encouraged him to try out for the celebrated Argentine club.
Ramos joined the Vélez youth academy at six years old and steadily progressed through the institution’s developmental system, popularly known as “La Fábrica.” He currently plays primarily as a left winger but can also operate as a central forward.
Known for his speed, physical strength and ability to beat defenders in one-on-one situations, Ramos has been compared stylistically to Brazilian star Vinícius Júnior. His performances for Vélez’s Sixth Division—including four goals in a single match against Atlético de Rafaela—helped establish him as one of the academy’s leading prospects.
His rise took on historic significance in June when he became the first footballer born in Haiti to receive a call-up to an Argentine national team. He subsequently made his debut for Argentina’s Under-17 team in a friendly against Ecuador and scored his first international goal in the teams’ second meeting.
Ramos holds both Haitian and Argentine nationality. Although Haitian football officials had reportedly shown interest in bringing him into Haiti’s youth program, he chose to pursue the opportunity to represent Argentina, the country where he was raised and developed as a footballer.
His selection generated considerable attention in Haiti, Argentina and throughout the Haitian diaspora. For many Haitians, Ramos’ success represents a source of pride, even as he wears Argentina’s famous blue-and-white jersey.
The partnership with Nike now adds a major commercial endorsement to his rapidly growing résumé. It also places greater attention on a young player who has yet to make his senior professional debut but is already being recognized beyond the boundaries of youth football.
At only 17, Kiki Ramos has gone from the streets of Buenos Aires and the Vélez youth academy to representing Argentina and attracting one of the most recognizable sports brands in the world.
The Nike announcement is another remarkable chapter in his journey—but, as Ramos himself emphasized, it is only one step. His next major objective will be continuing his development at Vélez, earning further opportunities with Argentina’s Under-17 team and eventually breaking into professional football.
