Coupe du monde 2026 : le capitaine du Cap-Vert au cœur d'une enquête pour viol
Just days before the start of the knockout stages of the 2026 World Cup, the Cape Verde national team is embroiled in a legal case involving its captain, Ryan Mendes. The 36-year-old striker is the subject of an investigation opened by New Zealand police following a rape complaint, according to information revealed by the Brazilian media outlet Globo.
The alleged events date back to March 2026, during the Cape Verdean national team's stay in Auckland for friendly matches against Chile and New Zealand. The complainant, a Brazilian national who claims to have worked as an interpreter for the Cape Verdean delegation, accuses the player of physically assaulting her before raping her in a hotel in the city.
To support her accusations, she reportedly submitted photographs showing several injuries, as well as a medical report detailing genital lesions and numerous bruises. The alleged victim and her husband also stated that they had contacted the Cape Verdean Football Federation and FIFA to request the player's exclusion from the World Cup, but have received no response to date.
Despite the controversy, Ryan Mendes played in Cape Verde's first three matches of the World Cup. The veteran, with 99 caps and 22 goals, remains the most capped player and top scorer in the history of the Blue Sharks. His team secured qualification for the round of 32, where they will face Argentina.
At this stage, no sporting decision has been announced regarding the Cape Verdean captain, while the investigation continues in New Zealand. As in any legal proceeding, Ryan Mendes benefits from the presumption of innocence until a final conviction is handed down.
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