PLAYER SNAPSHOT: At a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Martin Expérience |
| Date of Birth | 09/03/1999 (Age: 27) |
| Place of Birth | Châteaubriant, France |
| Nationality | Haitian (born French) |
| Height | 1.78 m / 5 ft 10 in |
| Weight | — |
| Position | Left-back / Defender |
| Preferred Foot | Left |
| Current Club | AS Nancy Lorraine |
| Previous Clubs | US Changé, US Avranches, SO Cholet |
| International Caps | — |
| International Goals | — |
| World Cup Appearances | 2026 |
| Contract Until | — |
| Market Value | €313K–€410K |
The Frozen Moment
The 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America represented the culmination of a journey defined by resilience, perseverance, and an unwavering belief in his own potential. For Martin Expérience, the call-up to Sébastien Migné’s Haiti squad was the reward for years of grinding through the French lower leagues and overcoming a career-threatening injury.
Expérience started all three of Haiti’s World Cup matches, playing the full 90 minutes against Scotland, Brazil, and Morocco, accumulating 270 minutes of tournament football. While Haiti exited in the group stage without a point, the qualification itself was historic—Haiti’s first World Cup appearance since 1974.
For the 27-year-old left-back, the tournament was deeply personal. Born in Châteaubriant, France, he represented the country of his heritage on football’s grandest stage. At the World Cup, he recorded 10 tackles (3.33 per 90), 4 interceptions, and 9 clearances, demonstrating his defensive commitment against some of the world’s best attackers, including Vinicius Junior and Neymar.
Origins
Born on March 9, 1999, in Châteaubriant, France, Martin Expérience was raised in Rennes, where he began playing football at a very young age. His grandparents remained in Châteaubriant, and he visited them almost every weekend, a connection he cherishes: “I keep only good memories of it.”
His grandfather, Yves Rebours, a former player for the Voltigeurs de Châteaubriant, played a crucial role in his development. “Every weekend, he was there, he came to see all my matches when I was little. He is no longer in this world now, but I would like to thank him for everything he did,” Expérience recalled. “He supported me, he inspired me.”
Growing up, Expérience idolised Ronaldinho: “I didn’t often watch matches because we didn’t have the channels, but there is one player I really liked, it’s Ronaldinho. I liked his magic, his joy of living. It shows that he loved what he did, that’s what made me want to play.”
At six years old, he joined Cercle Paul Bert Bréquigny, a football club in Rennes, where he stayed until he was 13. His talent was spotted early, and he joined the Stade Rennais academy, playing in the reserve team until he was 18.
The Professional Forge
Early Career and Injury (2017-2020)
Expérience’s professional path took an unexpected turn when he was not retained by Stade Rennais for the first team. He decided to take a risk, moving to Spain to join Xerez CD’s youth team in the fourth division.
His promising start was derailed by a severe pubalgia (groin/pelvic injury) that kept him off the pitch for a year and a half, forcing him to return to France. “I could have stopped [football] after this injury,” he admitted. The setback was significant, but he rebuilt his career: “But I believed in myself, I gave it my all.”
He landed at US Changé in Mayenne, where he began his slow recovery.
US Avranches (2020-2022)
In 2020, Expérience signed for US Avranches, where he began to regain his form. He made 1 appearance in the National 1 during the 2020-21 season. He also featured for Avranches II and made a total of 3 appearances in National competitions across two seasons.
SO Cholet (2022-2024)
In July 2022, Expérience moved to SO Cholet. His time at Cholet was productive—he made 23 appearances in the 2023-24 season and 31 appearances in 2022-23. Across two seasons, he made 58 appearances and scored three goals.
AS Nancy Lorraine (2024-Present)
On July 1, 2024, Expérience signed for AS Nancy Lorraine as a free agent. The move to the historic Ligue 2 club marked a significant step in his career.
In the 2025-26 season, Expérience has been a key figure in Nancy’s defence. He has made 20 league appearances, scoring 1 goal and providing 1 assist. He has accumulated 1,276-1,272 minutes of playing time, with an average FotMob rating of 6.76. He has also received 4 yellow cards.
His defensive contributions in the 2025-26 season include 20 appearances, 13 starts, 1 goal, and 1 assist.
International Career
Expérience’s international career with Haiti began at the youth level. He represented Haiti U23, making his debut in March 2021.
His senior debut for Haiti came in a Gold Cup qualifier against St Vincent and Grenada in July 2021, where he played in a 6-1 victory. He went on to feature in the 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup, making 2 appearances and receiving 1 yellow card.
The 2026 World Cup qualification campaign marked the pinnacle of his international career. Haiti, under coach Sébastien Migné, qualified for the World Cup for the first time since 1974. On May 19, 2026, Expérience was named in Haiti’s 26-man squad for the tournament.
At the World Cup, Expérience started all three of Haiti’s group-stage matches against Scotland, Brazil, and Morocco, playing every minute (270 minutes total). He recorded 10 tackles (3.33 per 90), 4 interceptions, and 9 clearances. He conceded 8 goals across the three matches.
The Anatomy of His Game
Expérience is a left-footed left-back defined by his defensive commitment and physicality. At 1.78 metres, he possesses a compact frame that allows him to contribute effectively in defensive phases.
In Possession
Expérience’s attacking contributions are modest but developing. In the 2025-26 Ligue 2 season, he recorded 1 goal and 1 assist in 20 appearances. He has a pass completion rate of 49% for shot-creating actions, and he is involved in 29% of ball contacts.
Out of Possession
Defensively, Expérience is a determined and physical presence. At the 2026 World Cup, he recorded 10 tackles (3.33 per 90), placing him in the 94th percentile among players in his position. He also recorded 4 interceptions (1.33 per 90) and 9 clearances (3.00 per 90). His 17 ground duels won (5.67 per 90) placed him in the 81st percentile.
His discipline is a notable strength—he received no yellow or red cards in the World Cup. However, his aerial duel success rate (1 aerial duel won in 3 attempts at the World Cup) is an area for development.
Psychological Edge
Expérience’s career is defined by resilience. His journey from a severe pubalgia injury that could have ended his career to starting at a World Cup is a testament to his mental fortitude. His grandfather’s support, his belief in himself, and his determination to overcome setbacks have defined his professional journey.
His self-assessment is humble: “I could have stopped [football] after this injury. But I believed in myself, I gave it my all.”
The Numbers Game
TABLE A: The Data Snapshot (2025/26 Season)
| Competition | Apps (Starts) | Minutes | Goals | Assists | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ligue 2 | 20 (14) | 1,272 | 1 | 1 | 6.76 |
| Coupe de France | 2 | 180 | 0 | 0 | — |
| FIFA World Cup | 3 (3) | 270 | 0 | 0 | — |
| TOTAL | 25 | 1,722 | 1 | 1 | — |
TABLE B: Career Overview
| Season | Club | League | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025/26 | Nancy | Ligue 2 | 20 | 1 |
| 2024/25 | Nancy | National 1 | 30 | 0 |
| 2023/24 | Cholet | National 1 | 23 | 2 |
| 2022/23 | Cholet | National 1 | 31 | 1 |
| 2020/21 | Avranches | National 1 | 1 | 0 |
| TOTAL | — | — | ~105 | 4 |
TABLE C: International Record
| Tournament/Competition | Apps | Goals | Major Honours |
|---|---|---|---|
| FIFA World Cup 2026 | 3 | 0 | Group Stage |
| CONCACAF Gold Cup 2021 | 2 | 0 | — |
| Haiti Senior Career | — | — | — |
TABLE D: Career Milestones
| Year | Achievement | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Haiti Debut | Gold Cup qualifier vs St Vincent |
| 2021 | CONCACAF Gold Cup | Featured in tournament |
| 2024 | Nancy Move | Signed as free agent |
| 2025/26 | Ligue 2 Breakthrough | 20 appearances, 1 goal |
| 2026 | World Cup Qualification | Haiti’s first since 1974 |
| 2026 | World Cup Selection | Named in Haiti squad |
| 2026 | World Cup Debut | Started vs Scotland |
Trophy Haul
Expérience’s career includes:
Nancy:
- National 1 Champion: 2024/25
The Present Tense
Martin Expérience is 27 years old and at a pivotal stage in his career. He is a key defender for AS Nancy Lorraine, a World Cup squad member, and one of the most remarkable stories of the 2026 tournament.
The Nancy Story
Expérience joined Nancy in July 2024 and has established himself as a starter. In the 2025/26 Ligue 2 season, he has made 20 appearances, scoring 1 goal and providing 1 assist. He is an important part of the squad, contributing both defensively and in attacking phases.
The World Cup Campaign
Expérience started all three of Haiti’s group-stage matches at the 2026 World Cup, playing 270 minutes. He recorded 10 tackles, 4 interceptions, and 9 clearances. Haiti’s campaign ended without a point, but qualification itself was historic.
International Record
Expérience represented Haiti at the 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup and the 2026 World Cup. He is yet to score his first senior international goal.
Beyond the Touchline
Off the pitch, Expérience is defined by his resilience and his deep connection to his family. His grandfather, Yves Rebours, a former player for the Voltigeurs de Châteaubriant, was a crucial figure in his development and remains an inspiration.
Expérience's journey from injury and uncertainty to the World Cup is a testament to his belief in himself. His story is one of determination and the refusal to let setbacks define his career.
The Verdict from the Camp
Sébastien Migné, Haiti head coach:
Migné selected Expérience for the World Cup squad, starting him in all three group-stage matches.
Martin Expérience (on his World Cup appearance):
“When I saw Brazil appear, I immediately thought: great. That’s what you do it for as a footballer. Against countries like that, you want to measure yourself.”
Martin Expérience (on his grandfather):
“My grandparents are from Châteaubriant. I went there almost every weekend, I keep only good memories of it. Every weekend, he was there, he came to see all my matches when I was little. He is no longer in this world now, but I would like to thank him for everything he did. He supported me, he inspired me.”
Where Next?
Martin Expérience is 27 years old and at a crucial stage in his career. His immediate future lies with Nancy in Ligue 2, where he has established himself as a key defensive figure.
Club Outlook
Expérience’s performances in Ligue 2 and at the World Cup have raised his profile. His market value, estimated at €313K-€410K, could increase following his World Cup exposure. He will look to build on his breakthrough season and continue his development.
International Outlook
At 27, Expérience is entering his prime years for a defender. His World Cup experience will be invaluable for future tournaments. The 2027 CONCACAF Gold Cup and the 2030 World Cup qualification campaign will be significant opportunities for him to add to his caps.
The Journey Continues
From Châteaubriant to the World Cup, from a career-threatening injury to the global stage, Martin Expérience’s journey is one of resilience, determination, and unshakeable self-belief. The left-back who was released by Stade Rennais and rebuilt his career in the French lower leagues is now a World Cup starter, representing Haiti on football’s grandest stage. His story is a reminder that the path to glory is rarely a straight line.
