MCB Prize 2025 for two icons: Jean Francisca and Gilbert Martina

Curacao’s historic Road to the World Cup: A Vision 25 Years in the Making

Willemstad – With this year marking its 29th edition, MCB President & CEO proudly handed over on 18 December ’25, the MCB Prize 2025 to Jean Francisca and Gilbert Martina. Curaçao’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup marks a historic milestone and is the result of decades of vision, dedication and nation-building. This achievement originated from the steadfast vision of Jean Francisca and was realized under the leadership of the current FFK President, Gilbert Martina.

To place this success in context, Quinten Fraai reflected on several key milestones during the award presentation.

The journey began in the year 2000, when Jean Francisca, then President of NAVU (Netherlands Antillean Football Union) introduced his vision for the Netherlands Antilles/Curaçao to one day participate in the World Cup. That same year, the Polar Cup was organized, featuring players with Curaçaoan roots. From the very beginning, Maduro & Curiel’s Bank was among the principal supporters. This support included a direct phone call from the late Lio Capriles to Jean Francisca. This early endorsement demonstrated both the quality of Jean’s work with the national team and the Bank’s belief in the future of local football.

In 2010, NAVU officially became FFK (Federashon Futbòl Kòrsou), with Jean Francisca continuing as President. This transition marked the start of a more structured and focused approach to realizing his long-term vision and formally launched the “Road to the World Cup.”

The community of Curaçao also played a crucial role. Matches were largely sold out, generating significant revenue and contributing meaningfully to the continued development of the journey.

Jean Francisca emphasized the importance of professional, weekly training in preparation for the World Cup. FFK focused on professional footballers of Curaçaoan descent, many of whom were active in the Netherlands. The team benefited from the expertise of Technical Director Etienne Sillé and renowned coaches such as Patrick Kluivert and Remko Bicentini. Despite challenges along the way, the course remained clear and consistent.

In April of this year, Gilbert Martina assumed office as President of FFK. Prior to his appointment, he supported FFK in the recruitment of Head Coach Dick Advocaat and his technical staff.

Under Gilbert’s leadership, the Curaçao Cup was launched in May 2025, followed by the successful relaunch of the local leagues in October. With a strong focus on qualification for the 2026 World Cup, Gilbert leveraged his network, relationships and leadership to accelerate the process.

In November of this year, the dream became reality. The Curaçao national team officially qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, under the strong guidance of Head Coach Dick Advocaat and his team, and the leadership of President Gilbert Martina. This achievement is historic, not only because of the qualification itself, but also due to the global attention it has brought to our Dushi Kòrsou, our culture and the lasting positive impact it represents.

Curaçao is by far the smallest country, with the smallest population ever to qualify for a FIFA World Cup. This accomplishment has strengthened national pride, unity and identity not only in Curaçao, but also in Aruba, Sint Maarten, and the BES islands.

In our humble opinion, no other initiative this year has had such a strong, positive and unifying impact on our island.

What began in 2000 as the vision of Jean Francisca and was realized in 2025 under the leadership of Gilbert Martina, has grown into one of the most impactful achievements in the history of our island.

For these reasons, and in recognition of their exceptional commitment and leadership, we proudly honor Jean Francisca and Gilbert Martina, together with their teams at FFK, with the MCB Prize 2025.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to both outstanding leaders. While they were supported by strong and dedicated teams, it is more than fitting that we recognize them for guiding Curaçao to this historic moment.

On the picture: Remco Meulens (Management Member MCB), Migdarys Mercera (Manager Community Relations), Quinten Fraai (President & CEO MCB), Gilbert Martina (MCB Prize Winner), Jean Francisca (MCB Prize Winner), Daniela Cohen-Henriquez (Management Member MCB), Caroline Sluis-Gibbs (Manager Marketing & Communications).