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At just 27 years old, Malou Quignette has made an unprecedented leap in the world of football coaching, becoming the head coach of the Haitian women’s national team. As the youngest active coach at the international level, Quignette’s appointment on September 1, 2024, marks a significant milestone in his burgeoning career. His journey from local clubs in France’s Cotentin region to the global stage highlights his determination and a fresh perspective on the sport.
In an interview with France Bleu Cotentin, Quignette described the surreal feeling of learning he was the youngest head coach in international football. “I didn’t know that when I took the job—it’s funny to think about now,” he shared. “It’s the first time my age has been seen as an advantage. Before, it was often a challenge, but now it’s a strength.”
Quignette’s career began in Cherbourg, where he played for local clubs like AS Cherbourg and AS Tourlaville. After transitioning to coaching, he pursued professional development opportunities that took him far from his roots, including a stint as an assistant coach for DC United’s U-23 team in Major League Soccer (MLS). Returning to France, he honed his skills with Le Havre and Thonon Évian Grand Genève FC.
Speaking about his rapid career trajectory, Quignette told France Bleu Cotentin, “I never expected such a quick rise. At Thonon, I felt ready to lead a team, but I didn’t anticipate being offered a national team role so soon. It was an opportunity I couldn’t turn down.”
Quignette’s philosophy as a coach is deeply rooted in equality. “I don’t differentiate between men’s and women’s football,” he explained. “What matters to me is the level—amateur, semi-professional, professional—not the gender. But football still has a long way to go in addressing machismo, whether conscious or unconscious, in areas like communication and media coverage.”
This perspective, combined with his technical expertise, made him an appealing candidate for the Haitian Football Federation, which seeks to elevate women’s football in the country.
Ranked 53rd in FIFA standings, Haiti’s women’s team has potential, having qualified for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Quignette has already seen positive results, with the team achieving two wins at an international tournament in Antalya, Turkey, in October 2024. “Between the team’s qualities and its potential, there’s so much room for growth,” he told France Bleu Cotentin. “The goal is to build consistently, step by step, so Haiti becomes a regular competitor on the world stage.”
