From French youth prospect to the hero of a Premier League promotion

From French youth prospect to the hero of a Premier League promotion
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In short: Born in France and representing Haiti, Wilson Isidor’s career has been a whirlwind of record-breaking starts, injury setbacks, and high-stakes transfers. His journey from the Russian Premier League to securing Sunderland's return to the top flight is a remarkable tale of resilience and clinical finishing.

Wilson Isidor’s professional trajectory began with a difficult debut for Monaco in November 2018, appearing in a 4–0 loss to Paris Saint-Germain. Following loan spells at Laval and Bastia-Borgo—where he earned the Championnat National revelation of the season title—he moved to Russia in January 2022. At Lokomotiv Moscow, Isidor made an immediate impact, matching a record by scoring in each of his first six Russian Premier League games, a feat previously achieved by Yusuf Yazıcı.

However, his ascent faced significant hurdles. In January 2023, a move to Lyon collapsed after Isidor failed a medical due to persistent knee pain. Despite this, his scoring prowess remained evident; during the 2022–23 season, he netted six goals in his final seven appearances, all as a second-half substitute. His time in Russia continued with a move to Zenit Saint Petersburg, a transfer characterized by conflicting reports regarding whether it was an option or an obligation to buy.

The most defining chapter of his career arrived in England. After joining Sunderland on loan in August 2024 and signing a permanent deal in February 2025, Isidor became a pivotal figure in their promotion campaign. He scored in the Championship play-off semi-final against Coventry City in May 2025, helping Sunderland reach the final and secure their return to the Premier League. He continued this form in the top flight, scoring against West Ham in August 2025.

Internationally, Isidor transitioned from a French youth international to a mainstay for Haiti. After committing to the Haitian national team in March 2026, he was named in the 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. During the tournament, he scored Haiti's only non-own goal in a 4–2 loss to Morocco.

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