Cape Verde Captain Ryan Mendes Accused Of Rape Amid Team's Fairytale FIFA World Cup Run

Published 29 June 2026 · sports

Cape Verde Captain Ryan Mendes Accused Of Rape Amid Team's Fairytale FIFA World Cup Run Published By, Last Updated: June 29, 2026, 14:29 IST Cape

Cape Verde Captain Ryan Mendes Accused Of Rape Amid Team's Fairytale FIFA World Cup Run Published By, Last Updated: June 29, 2026, 14:29 IST Cape Verde captain Ryan Mendes has been accused of rape that allegedly took place in an Auckland hotel earlier this year in March. Ryan Mendes is being investigated by New Zealand police. (Reuters Photo) Cape Verde’s fairytale FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign has been hit by a major controversy, with reports claiming their captain Ryan Mendes is under investigation for allegedly raping a team translator earlier this year. The alleged incident reportedly took place at the Auckland hotel where the Cape Verde squad was staying during the FIFA Series tournament in March, which also featured New Zealand, Finland and Chile. According to the New York Post, the 36-year-old Mendes has been accused by a Brazilian woman of throttling and punching her after allegedly forcing his way into her hotel room before raping her.

The woman, whose identity has not been disclosed, was hired by Cape Verde for the FIFA Series tournament. She reportedly informed team officials about the alleged incident, but they did not respond. New Zealand Police are investigating the allegations and have collected security camera footage from the Auckland hotel where the alleged incident is said to have taken place. The woman has also shared photographs of her injuries, which have been handed over to police as part of the investigation. FIFA’s Response To The Allegations Football’s global governing body, FIFA, released a statement following the reports, saying the organisation is in contact with authorities in New Zealand while refusing to confirm whether any investigation involving Mendes is underway. Mendes, who has not publicly responded to the allegations, has featured in all three of Cape Verde’s drawn matches at the ongoing World Cup, where the team made history by becoming the smallest nation to qualify for the Round of 32.

The 36-year-old is set to lead Cape Verde in their Round of 32 clash against defending champions Argentina on Saturday. According to the New Zealand Herald, a Brazilian law firm has served legal notices on Mendes and his club, Igdir FK, which plays in the second tier of Turkish football. Police will decide whether to charge Mendes after receiving the results of the forensic investigation. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit About the Author Feroz Khan Feroz Khan has been covering sports for over 12 years now and is currently working with Network18 as Principal Correspondent. He embarked on his journey in 2011 and has since acquired vast experience... Read More First Published: June 29, 2026, 14:29 IST News sports football Cape Verde Captain Ryan Mendes Accused Of Rape Amid Team's Fairytale FIFA World Cup Run Disclaimer: Comments reflect users’ views, not News18’s.