Argentina's U17 team has a new talent: Stephen 'Kiki' Ramos, a 17-year-old footballer born in Haiti but adopted by an Argentine family. He debuted in 2026 in a friendly against Ecuador, where Argentina won 2-1 with goals from Benjamín Vallejo and Facundo Salinas. Ramos, who plays for Vélez Sarsfield, is emerging as a key prospect for the U17 World Cup in Qatar, where Argentina will compete in Group C with Denmark, Mozambique, and Australia.
Who is Kiki Ramos?
Stephen 'Kiki' Ramos was born on April 3, 2009, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, and was adopted by an Argentine family when he was eight months old. At age 6, a Vélez Sarsfield fan noticed his talent in neighborhood pick-up games and encouraged him to try out for the club. Currently, he plays for Vélez's sixth division, coached by Héctor Manfredi, and stands out as a left winger, often compared to Vinicius Jr for his flamboyant style.
His U17 Debut
Ramos made his debut on July 28 in a friendly against Ecuador, where Argentina won 2-1. Though he didn’t score, his performance caught the eye of fans. Coach Diego Placente called him up, making him the first Haitian-born player to represent Argentina. With the senior team leading the 2026 World Cup with 9 points (3 wins in 3 matches), Ramos dreams of following in their footsteps.
What’s Next for Kiki Ramos?
The U17 World Cup will be held in Qatar in November and December, featuring 48 teams. Ramos, who has already shown his potential, aims to secure a starting spot. Meanwhile, at Vélez Sarsfield, he continues to develop under Manfredi’s guidance, hoping to reach the first team and, perhaps, the senior national squad.
