PLAYER SNAPSHOT: At a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Carl Fred Sainté |
| Date of Birth | 09/08/2002 (Age: 23) |
| Place of Birth | Grand-Goâve, Haiti |
| Nationality | Haitian |
| Height | 1.85 m / 6 ft 1 in |
| Weight | 82 kg |
| Position | Centre-Back / Defensive Midfielder |
| Preferred Foot | Right |
| Squad Number | #8 (Haiti), #6 (El Paso Locomotive) |
| Current Club | El Paso Locomotive FC (on loan from FC Dallas) |
| Previous Clubs | Violette AC, New Mexico United, North Texas SC, FC Dallas, Phoenix Rising FC (loan) |
| International Caps | 20+ |
| International Goals | 0 |
| World Cup Appearances | 2026 |
| Contract Until | 2026 (loan expires) |
| Market Value | €125K |
The Frozen Moment
The summer of 2026 was meant to be a defining moment for Carl Sainte. The 23-year-old from Grand-Goâve, Haiti, had been named in his country’s 26-man squad for the FIFA World Cup—Haiti’s first appearance at the tournament since 1974. It was the culmination of a journey that had begun in the youth ranks of Haitian football and taken him to the United States, where he had won an MLS NEXT Pro championship and earned a contract with FC Dallas.
But when Haiti took the field against Morocco, Brazil, and Scotland, Sainte was confined to the bench. He watched as his teammates were overwhelmed—4-2 to Morocco, 3-0 to Brazil, 1-0 to Scotland. Haiti were eliminated in the group stage, and Sainte did not play a single minute.
The boy who had risen through the ranks of Violette AC, who had helped North Texas SC win an MLS NEXT Pro Cup, who had made his MLS debut for FC Dallas, had reached football’s greatest stage—but the stage had passed him by. His frozen moment was one of quiet frustration, of being ready, waiting, and never called upon.
Origins
Born on August 9, 2002, in Grand-Goâve, Haiti, Carl Fred Sainté began his football journey in his homeland. He progressed through the youth ranks of Haitian clubs AGE-Foot and ASGG before joining Violette AC in 2019.
His potential was evident early. In 2019, Sainte represented Haiti at the FIFA U-17 World Cup, making eight appearances and scoring one goal. It was a sign of the international career that would follow.
Sainte made his senior debut for Violette AC in 2020, helping the club win the Ligue Haïtienne title during the 2020-21 season. His performances in Haiti caught the attention of American scouts, and in December 2021, he transferred to USL Championship side New Mexico United.
The American Journey
Violette AC (2020-2021):
Sainte began his senior career with Violette AC, making 12 league appearances. He contributed to the club’s Ligue Haïtienne title during the 2020-21 season.
New Mexico United (2021-2022):
In December 2021, Sainte transferred to USL Championship side New Mexico United. He made his debut on March 14, 2022, coming on as a late substitute in an 87th-minute appearance in a 2-0 victory over Las Vegas Lights. He made five league appearances for the club.
North Texas SC / FC Dallas (2022-2025):
Sainte’s career trajectory changed when he joined North Texas SC in 2022, initially on loan. He made 22 appearances over two seasons, scoring one goal and providing three assists. His performances were instrumental in helping North Texas SC win the MLS NEXT Pro championship—a remarkable comeback victory over Philadelphia Union II.
His success at the reserve level earned him a move to FC Dallas’s first team. In March 2024, Sainte signed a two-year contract with FC Dallas, with club options for 2026 and 2027. He made his MLS debut in April 2024 against the Houston Dynamo and made six appearances in Major League Soccer during the 2024 season.
Loan to Phoenix Rising FC (2025):
In January 2025, Sainte joined Phoenix Rising FC on a season-long loan. He made 23 USL Championship appearances, scoring 1 goal, and received 1 red card across the season. His manager, Pa-Modou Kah, who had previously worked with Sainte at FC Dallas, described him as “a consummate professional and a leader who leads by example.”
El Paso Locomotive FC (2026-Present):
In January 2026, Sainte moved to El Paso Locomotive FC, another USL Championship side. In the 2026 season, he has made 9 appearances, starting 3 matches and accumulating 271 minutes of action. He has recorded 0 goals, 1 yellow card, and 0 red cards.
The Anatomy of His Game
Carl Sainte is a versatile defensive player capable of operating as a centre-back or defensive midfielder. At 185 cm, he possesses the physical presence to compete in central areas while maintaining technical quality.
In Possession:
Sainte’s distribution is a key attribute. In the 2025 USL Championship season with Phoenix Rising, he completed 926 successful passes with a 90.9% success rate. He also completed 74 long passes with a 64.9% accuracy rate, demonstrating his ability to switch play and progress the ball. He recorded 1 successful cross (100% success rate) and completed 6 dribbles (75% success rate). His passing volume places him in the 57th percentile among defenders, while his touches (1,201 total) reflect his involvement in build-up play.
Out of Possession:
Sainte’s defensive contributions are significant. In the 2025 season, he recorded 30 tackles with a 61.5% duel win rate, 17 aerial duels won (68% success rate), 20 interceptions, 11 blocked shots, and 83 recoveries. His defensive actions rank in the 8th percentile, and his aerial duels won rank in the 9th percentile, suggesting areas for development. In the 2025/26 season across competitions, he has received 1 yellow card in 0 red cards.
Psychological Edge:
Sainte’s leadership qualities have been recognised throughout his career. Phoenix Rising manager Pa-Modou Kah described him as “a consummate professional and a leader who leads by example.” His journey from Haitian football to the USL Championship and MLS demonstrates resilience and adaptability. His victory in the MLS NEXT Pro Cup with North Texas SC further highlights his ability to perform under pressure.
The Numbers Game
TABLE A: The Data Snapshot (2025/26 Season)
| Competition | Apps | Starts | Minutes | Goals | Assists | Yellow Cards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| USL Championship (El Paso) | 9 | 3 | 271 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| USL Championship (Phoenix, 2025) | 23 | 19 | 1,708 | 1 | 0 | 4 |
| FIFA World Cup 2026 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| CONCACAF Gold Cup 2025 | 1 | — | — | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| CONCACAF Nations League 2024/25 | 3 | — | — | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| TOTAL | 36 | 22 | 1,979+ | 1 | 0 | 5 |
TABLE B: Career Overview
| Season(s) | Club | League/Competition | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020-2021 | Violette AC | Ligue Haïtienne | 12 | 0 |
| 2021-2022 | New Mexico United | USL Championship | 5 | 0 |
| 2022-2024 | North Texas SC | MLS NEXT Pro | 22+ | 1 |
| 2024 | FC Dallas | MLS | 6 | 0 |
| 2025 | Phoenix Rising FC (loan) | USL Championship | 23 | 1 |
| 2026 | El Paso Locomotive FC (loan) | USL Championship | 9 | 0 |
| TOTAL | — | — | 77+ | 2 |
TABLE C: International Record
| Tournament/Competition | Apps | Goals | Major Honours |
|---|---|---|---|
| FIFA World Cup 2026 | 0 | 0 | Group Stage |
| CONCACAF Gold Cup 2023 | 3 | 0 | Quarter-finals |
| CONCACAF Gold Cup 2025 | 1 | 0 | — |
| CONCACAF Nations League | 9 | 0 | — |
| World Cup Qualifying | 5 | 0 | — |
| Friendlies | 5+ | 0 | — |
| Haiti Senior Career | 20+ | 0 | — |
TABLE D: Career Milestones
| Year | Achievement | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | U-17 World Cup Appearance | Haiti U17, 8 appearances, 1 goal |
| 2020 | Senior Debut | Violette AC |
| 2021 | Ligue Haïtienne Winner | Violette AC |
| 2022 | Haiti Senior Debut | vs Guatemala |
| 2022 | USL Championship Debut | New Mexico United |
| 2023 | MLS NEXT Pro Champion | North Texas SC |
| 2024 | FC Dallas Transfer | MLS contract |
| 2024 | MLS Debut | vs Houston Dynamo |
| 2025 | Phoenix Rising Loan | USL Championship |
| 2026 | World Cup Squad | Haiti’s first since 1974 |
These figures reveal a young player who has steadily progressed through American football’s pyramid. Sainte has accumulated over 77 professional appearances, scored 2 goals, and earned 20 caps for Haiti.
The Present Tense
The El Paso Locomotive Story:
Carl Sainte is currently on loan at El Paso Locomotive FC from parent club FC Dallas. In the 2026 USL Championship season, he has made 9 appearances, starting 3 matches and accumulating 271 minutes of action. He has recorded 1 yellow card and 0 red cards.
His loan with El Paso Locomotive runs until November 2026.
The FIFA Club World Cup Context:
The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup in the United States featured 32 of the world’s leading clubs. Neither Phoenix Rising nor El Paso Locomotive qualified for the tournament, meaning Sainte has no experience at this level of global competition.
The World Cup Campaign:
The 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico marked Sainte’s first appearance at the tournament—and Haiti’s first since 1974. He was named in Sébastien Migné’s 26-man squad.
Despite being part of the squad, Sainte did not make an appearance in the tournament, serving as an unused substitute in all three group-stage matches against Morocco, Brazil, and Scotland. Haiti were eliminated in the group stage.
International Record:
Sainte has earned over 20 caps for Haiti since his senior debut in March 2022. He made his debut in a friendly 2-1 loss to Guatemala on March 27, 2022. He has featured in the 2023 CONCACAF Gold Cup (3 appearances), the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup (1 appearance), CONCACAF Nations League (9 appearances), and World Cup qualifying (5 appearances).
Beyond the Touchline
Off the pitch, Carl Sainte is known for his professionalism and leadership. Phoenix Rising manager Pa-Modou Kah described him as “a consummate professional and a leader who leads by example,” praising his “strong technical and tactical abilities.”
Sainte’s journey from Grand-Goâve, Haiti, to the USL Championship and the World Cup represents a remarkable story of opportunity and achievement. He began his career in the youth ranks of Haitian clubs AGE-Foot and ASGG before joining Violette AC. His move to the United States opened new opportunities, culminating in an MLS contract with FC Dallas.
His honours include a Ligue Haïtienne title with Violette AC (2020-21), an MLS NEXT Pro championship with North Texas SC (2023-24), and selection for Haiti’s 2026 World Cup squad.
His market value is estimated at €125,000, having peaked at €150,000 in November 2025. His contract with FC Dallas runs until 2025, with club options for 2026 and 2027, and his loan to El Paso Locomotive expires in November 2026.
Sainte has also represented Haiti at the senior level in 19 matches across various competitions, including 5 appearances in World Cup qualifying.
The Verdict from the Camp
Pa-Modou Kah, Phoenix Rising Head Coach:
“Carl is a consummate professional and a leader who leads by example. His strong technical and tactical abilities set him apart. Having had the pleasure of working with him at FC Dallas, I look forward to seeing him bring the same passion and dedication to help deliver silverware to the club.”
Statistic:
Sainte has earned over 20 caps for Haiti since his senior debut in 2022.
Statistic:
Sainte made 23 USL Championship appearances for Phoenix Rising in 2025, scoring 1 goal.
Statistic:
Sainte was named in Haiti’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup—the country’s first World Cup appearance since 1974.
Statistic:
Sainte won the MLS NEXT Pro Cup with North Texas SC in 2023.
Statistic:
Sainte made his MLS debut for FC Dallas in April 2024 against the Houston Dynamo.
Where Next?
Carl Sainte is 23 years old and at a pivotal moment in his career. His contract with FC Dallas includes club options for 2026 and 2027, and he is currently on loan at El Paso Locomotive FC until November 2026.
A return to MLS with FC Dallas is a possibility, given his contract with the club. Alternatively, a permanent move to a USL Championship side could offer regular first-team football. His versatility as a centre-back and defensive midfielder makes him an attractive option for clubs seeking defensive depth.
For Haiti, Sainte represents the future. With over 20 caps and a World Cup experience (despite not playing) under his belt, he is expected to remain a fixture in the national team setup. His World Cup squad selection is a testament to his standing within the team.
From the youth ranks of Grand-Goâve to the World Cup stage, from the Ligue Haïtienne to the MLS and USL Championship, Carl Sainte’s journey is one of steady progression and quiet determination. The boy who represented Haiti at the U-17 World Cup has now achieved the dream of every Haitian footballer—and looks to build on that foundation in the years ahead.
