Cape Verde captain accused of rape by team's Brazilian translator as he prepares for historic World Cup round: Report

Cape Verde's football team, which is creating history at the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2026 as the smallest nation to qualify for the knockout stage, has found itself at the centre of a major controversy just days before its Round of 32 clash against defending champions Argentina.

Ahead of the much-anticipated knockout match, reports have emerged claiming that Cape Verde captain Ryan Mendes has been accused of raping a Brazilian woman who worked as a translator during the team's tour of New Zealand earlier this year.

A case was reportedly filed by the woman in New Zealand, following which authorities launched an investigation. At the time, Ryan's name was not revealed when New Zealand media reported the case. It was only stated that a player from the Cape Verde team was involved.

What happened?

Now, Brazilian media reports have claimed that the player in question is none other than 36-year-old Cape Verde captain Ryan Mendes. According to the reports, Mendes allegedly sexually assaulted the Brazilian woman at the team hotel by forcing his way into her room, punching her, biting her, and then raping her.

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The reports further claimed that the woman shared pictures of injuries to her mouth, neck, leg, and side with New Zealand police, who also obtained access to CCTV footage from the Auckland hotel where the team was staying and are investigating the case.

In her statement, the woman said she was hired by the Cape Verde team as a translator during the FIFA Series in New Zealand. She claimed that she was invited to a meeting after their first match against Chile in one of the hotel rooms assigned for the team. However, after realising that she was not required for the meeting, she returned to her room.

According to her statement, Mendes allegedly arrived at her room shortly afterwards and knocked on the door. When she opened the door, he forced his way inside before assaulting her and raping her.

Meanwhile, FIFA has issued a statement on the matter, saying it takes "any allegation of misconduct" seriously and is in contact with the New Zealand authorities. "Please understand we cannot comment further at this stage," FIFA was quoted as saying to USA TODAY.