Cape Verde Captain Accused Of Raping Translator Before Star World Cup Run

Cape Verde have had one of the all-time fairytale runs at this summer’s World Cup, so you just knew a story had to come out to ruin all the fun.

Sure enough, the Cape Verde national team captain, Ryan Mendes, is facing allegations of sexual assault and rape following a complaint filed by a Brazilian woman hired as the team’s translator.

The woman claims that Mendes, 36, entered her hotel room and choked her during the FIFA Series friendly tournament in Auckland, New Zealand, back in March 2026.

That same evening, she had been invited to a meeting in one of the hotel rooms but upon realising it was a social gathering and that she wasn’t needed for translating, she returned to her room, and heard a knock at the door shortly after.

When she answered, Mendes allegedly forced his way in, punched her, bit her, choked her and raped her.

She shared pictures of injuries to her mouth, neck, leg, and side, which were handed to the police.

The unidentified woman says she approached at least three officials from the Cape Verdean football authorities who did not respond, according to Brazilian media.

However, the case is now being investigated by New Zealand police, who collected security camera footage from the hotel and are awaiting results of a forensic investigation before they decide whether to charge Mendes.

The alleged assault was actually reported by New Zealand media earlier this year, but the name of the player wasn’t revealed – just that he played for the Cape Verde national team.

Welp, it was fun while it lasted. Obviously nothing has been proven in court yet, but it does kinda ruin the whole feel-good vibe around the Cape Verde story at the moment. Although they do face Argentina and Messi in the next game, so it was likely going to come an end this week anyway.

Never mind that though, let’s hope the investigators do their job and that justice is served for Ryan Mendes’ alleged victim, one way or another.

For the Arsenal Fan TV star who was recently charged with rape, click HERE.