Fabrice Jean-Ian Picault Bio
Fabrice Jean-Ian “Fafà” Picault (born 23 February 1991) is a professional footballer who plays as a winger for Major League Soccer club Inter Miami and the Haiti national team. Born in the United States, he was initially called up by Haiti in 2014 for a friendly against Chile but did not make an appearance. Picault was then called up by the United States in 2016 before eventually switching back to represent Haiti in 2023.
Early Life and Background
Fabrice Picault was born to Haitian immigrants in Manhattan, New York City. He comes from a multigenerational football lineage; his grandfather played for the Haiti national team, while his father Leslie played professional indoor soccer with the Philadelphia Fever in the Major Indoor Soccer League. He grew up on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, near Riverbank State Park along the Hudson River, where he played his first game. At the age of nine, his parents moved with him to Miami for a change of life. When he was sixteen, he moved to Italy to begin his youth career, where he learned Italian and connected with the culture.
Path to Soccer
Picault started his career with the youth and reserve team of Italian club Cagliari, but later parted ways with the club after five years. He has commented on being subjected to frequent racism during his time in Sardinia. He later attended the North American Soccer League (NASL) player combine in 2012 and impressed scouts working for Tampa Bay Rowdies, signing a one-year deal with the club. Picault is known for his quickness and pace combined with his vision and technical abilities.
Fabrice Jean-Ian Picault Career
Early Career (2012)
Picault made his professional debut on 19 May 2012 in a 3–2 victory against Atlanta Silverbacks while playing for Tampa Bay Rowdies. He made 18 appearances in league play, helping the Rowdies win Soccer Bowl 2012, although he did not register any goals. After the end of the 2012 NASL season, the Rowdies declined the contract option for Picault.
Breakthrough (2014-2016)
After returning to the NASL with Fort Lauderdale Strikers ahead of the 2014 season, Picault experienced a breakout season, scoring 12 goals in 24 appearances, which was the second-best in the NASL that season. He made his debut for the Strikers on 12 April 2014 in a 2–0 win over Ottawa Fury and scored his first goal for the club on 26 April 2014. In January 2015, Picault moved to Czech team Sparta Prague but was released in June 2015 without making a league appearance. In September 2015, he signed with German 2. Bundesliga club FC St. Pauli, where he made his debut on 14 September 2015. He ended his first season in Germany with four goals and one assist from 16 appearances.
Notable Works and Milestones
Picault returned to the United States in February 2017, signing with Major League Soccer side Philadelphia Union. He made his MLS debut as a substitute in the Union’s home opener and scored his first goal for the team in May 2017. He ended the regular season with seven goals and three assists from 28 appearances. His performance helped the Union qualify for the playoffs.
Fabrice Jean-Ian Picault Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Fabrice Picault has received various nominations for his performances in Major League Soccer and other leagues.
Fabrice Jean-Ian Picault Awards Won
Fabrice Picault has won several awards during his career, including recognition for his contributions to teams like the Tampa Bay Rowdies and Inter Miami CF.
Fabrice Jean-Ian Picault Family
Information about Fabrice Picault’s family is not extensively documented, but he has maintained a connection with his Haitian roots.
Personal Life
Fabrice Picault holds passports from both the United States and Haiti. He is fond of Haitian cuisine and music, particularly enjoying cooked plantain. He speaks seven languages, five of which he is fluent in: English, Creole, French, Italian, and Spanish. He has maintained close relationships with players who now play in Serie A and has an Italian agent.