Cape Verde World Cup captain Ryan Mendes accused of raping team translator in New Zealand

Ryan Mendes, the 36-year-old captain of Cape Verde’s World Cup 2026 squad, has been accused of sexually assaulting a Brazilian woman hired as the team’s translator during a trip to Auckland, New Zealand in March, according to a report by Brazilian broadcaster Globo.

The woman, who has not been publicly identified, told Globo that Mendes entered her hotel room following a match against Chile on March 27 and attacked her. She alleged he forced his way in after she returned from what she had believed was an official team meeting, and that he choked, punched, bit, and raped her. She provided photographs to Globo showing bruising on her neck.

Following the alleged incident, the woman sought treatment at a clinic for survivors of sexual violence, where a forensic examination reportedly found bruising on her neck, breasts, and lips, as well as two circular genital lesions described as painful to the touch. Those findings were submitted to New Zealand Police on April 10.

On May 10, the woman and her husband filed complaints with both the Cape Verdean Football Federation and FIFA, attaching the medical report and supporting evidence, and requesting that Mendes be barred from the World Cup. She told Globo she received no response from either body.

The woman also told Brazilian media that she had reported the alleged incident to at least three officials within Cape Verde’s football authority at the time and received no reply.

The New Zealand Herald had previously reported that a sexual assault involving a member of the Cape Verde squad was under investigation, but did not name Mendes. A FIFA spokesperson confirmed to The Independent that the governing body is “in contact with the New Zealand authorities” but said it “cannot comment further at this stage.”

The allegations emerge at a moment of historic achievement for the small island nation. Cape Verde held Spain to a 0-0 draw in their opening World Cup group match and became the smallest nation ever to reach the tournament’s knockout rounds — a run that has drawn widespread admiration. Mendes has been a central figure in that campaign as captain.