Ryan Mendes, captain of Cape Verde and the man who led the team to the Round of 32 at the 2026 World Cup, has been accused of rape by a Brazilian woman who worked as the squad's translator during their FIFA Series trip to New Zealand in March.
The accusation was first reported by Brazilian outlet Globo on June 28, 2026. In her statement to New Zealand police, the translator described being invited to a gathering in one of the hotel rooms after Cape Verde's match against Chile. When she realised she wasn't needed for translation and that it was a social event, she returned to her own room — and that's where her account turns serious.
"When I opened it, Mendes allegedly forced his way in, throttled, punched, and bit me before raping me," her statement reads.
She provided police with photographs documenting injuries to her mouth, neck, leg, and side.
FIFA monitoring the situation
FIFA confirmed it is in contact with New Zealand authorities and has stated that misconduct allegations are taken seriously. That's the standard line, and it leaves everything unresolved for now. No charges have been publicly confirmed, and Mendes himself has not commented.
Cape Verde face Argentina — the reigning world champions — on July 3. Mendes is expected to captain the side. The football story is real: this is a genuinely competitive team that has punched well above its weight at this tournament. But that context makes the situation harder to ignore, not easier.
The allegations haven't triggered any suspension or provisional measure from FIFA as of publication. Whether that changes before Thursday's fixture is the question everyone in the Cape Verde camp will be watching closely. Any disruption to the captaincy or squad cohesion at this stage, with Argentina waiting, is not a minor issue.
Mendes has not spoken publicly. New Zealand police are in possession of the formal complaint and the photographic evidence.
