Cape Verde captain Ryan Mendes has been accused of rape by a woman who worked as a translator for the national team during a trip to New Zealand earlier this year, according to multiple media reports.
Mendes, 36, who has featured in all three of Cape Verde’s matches at the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup, is alleged to have sexually assaulted a Brazilian woman hired to serve as the team’s translator during the FIFA Series in New Zealand in March.
According to Brazilian news outlet Globo, the woman claimed she reported the incident to at least three officials of the Cape Verde Football Federation but received no response.
The matter is now under investigation by New Zealand Police, who have reportedly obtained security camera footage from the Auckland hotel where the alleged incident occurred and are awaiting forensic examination results before deciding whether to file charges.
Although New Zealand media reported the alleged sexual assault last month, the identity of the player involved was not disclosed at the time.
In her statement to police, the woman said she had been engaged by the Cape Verde national team to provide translation services during their matches in New Zealand.
She alleged that after the team’s match against Chile, she was invited to a gathering in one of the hotel rooms reserved for the delegation. Realising her translation services were not required and that it was merely a social gathering, she returned to her own room.
According to her account, Mendes later knocked on her door and, after she opened it, allegedly forced his way into the room, assaulted her and raped her.
The complainant also submitted photographs of injuries to her mouth, neck, leg and side as part of the evidence provided to investigators.
Mendes has not publicly responded to the allegations.
The accusations come as Cape Verde continues its historic FIFA World Cup debut, having become the smallest nation ever to qualify for the tournament’s knockout stage.
In a statement issued after the allegations became public, FIFA said it was in contact with New Zealand authorities and takes allegations of misconduct “extremely seriously.”
However, football’s world governing body said it could not comment further on the allegations or confirm whether any disciplinary proceedings were underway while the police investigation remains ongoing.