WILLEMSTAD — Maduro & Curiel’s Bank, known as MCB, awarded its 2025 MCB Prize to Jean Francisca and Gilbert Martina on Dec. 18, 2025, its 29th edition of the award.
The prize recognized their roles in Curaçao’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a milestone tied to a long plan that began decades earlier and reached a turning point this year under the leadership of current Federashon Futbòl Kòrsou (FFK) President Gilbert Martina.
A goal set in 2000
The story reaches back to 2000, when Francisca was president of NAVU, the Netherlands Antillean Football Union. He laid out a vision for the Netherlands Antilles and Curaçao to one day reach the World Cup.
That same year, the Polar Cup was organized and featured players with Curaçaoan roots. MCB was among the principal supporters from the start, including a phone call from the late Lio Capriles to Francisca.
A new federation and a clearer plan
A decade later, in 2010, NAVU officially became FFK, with Francisca continuing as president. The change marked a more structured approach and formally launched the “Road to the World Cup.”
Local support helped keep the effort moving. Matches were largely sold out, and the crowds brought in revenue that contributed to the long-term work.
Francisca also pushed for professional, weekly training. The focus centered on professional footballers of Curaçaoan descent, many active in the Netherlands. The program drew on Technical Director Etienne Sillé and coaches including Patrick Kluivert and Remko Bicentini.
A leadership shift in 2025
Martina assumed office as president of FFK in April 2025. Before that, he supported FFK in recruiting head coach Dick Advocaat and his technical staff.
In May 2025, the Curaçao Cup was launched. In October, the local leagues were relaunched. With qualification for the 2026 World Cup as a clear target, Martina used his network and relationships to speed up the process.
A historic result and wider impact
In November 2025, Curaçao officially qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup under head coach Dick Advocaat and his team, with Martina leading the federation.
The qualification brought global attention to Curaçao, its culture, and what MCB called a lasting positive impact. Curaçao is the smallest country, with the smallest population, ever to qualify for a FIFA World Cup.
MCB said the achievement strengthened pride, unity and identity in Curaçao and also in Aruba, Sint Maarten and the BES islands.