Cape Verde captain Ryan Mendes investigated in New Zealand over rape allegations ahead of Argentina clash

Mendes has been accused of raping a woman who had been hired to work with the team during a tournament in New Zealand earlier this year.

Cape Verde captain Ryan Mendes is under police investigation for alleged sexual assault. Accusations detail an incident involving a translator in Auckland.

 Ryan Mendes, the Blue Sharks of Cape Verde’s captain, is being investigated by police for an alleged s*xual assault on a translator who once worked with the team, Globo Esporte, a Brazilian media outlet, has reported.  The development is unfolding right in the middle of Cape Verde’s historic campaign at the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup. According to the report, New Zealand police are investigating the alleged incident that occurred on March 27, 2026, at a hotel in Auckland during the Cape Verde squad’s participation in the FIFA Friendly Series tournament held in the country.  The complainant, an unidentified Brazilian woman, was hired by the Cape Verdean federation to provide translation and operational support during the tournament. In her statement, the complainant detailed how Mendes allegedly forced his way into her hotel room one night and choked, punched, and bit her before s*xually assaulting her. The report said medical and forensic examinations later documented multiple physical injuries, including vaginal lesions and extensive bruising on her lips, neck, and breasts. These findings, along with photographic evidence, have been submitted to investigators.  The complainant and her husband reportedly reached out to three top Cape Verde football officials and sent an extrajudicial notification to FIFA in May, requesting that Mendes be excluded from the World Cup roster while the probe was active. The federation allegedly failed to act, with one WhatsApp exchange indicating an official dismissed the matter as a “personal issue” for the player. New Zealand Police have confirmed that an active investigation is underway and that security footage from the Auckland hotel has been collected. However, in line with local privacy laws, authorities have not publicly named Mendes as the subject of the investigation. No official criminal charges have been filed yet, as police await the final forensic results. Mendes, who plays club football for Turkish second-division side Iğdır, is Cape Verde’s most-capped player and record goalscorer. He started and played a pivotal role in all three group-stage matches.   Cape Verde finished second in Group H ahead of powerhouse Uruguay after securing draws against Spain, Uruguay, and Saudi Arabia. They will face Argentina in the last 32 on July 3.

Cape Verde captain, Ryan Mendes, is under investigation by New Zealand police for allegedly raping a team translator. FIFA is in contact with authorities. Read More: https://punchng.com/cape-verde-captain-ryan-mendes-under-probe-for-raping-translator/

Cape Verde's captain, Ryan Mendes, is under investigation by New Zealand Police following an alleged rape by a Brazilian interpreter during the FIFA Series in March 2026. The woman claims Mendes entered her hotel room without permission and assaulted her. Police are actively investigating, reviewing CCTV and forensic evidence. FIFA has stated it takes such allegations seriously and is cooperating with authorities.

Cape Verde's remarkable FIFA World Cup 2026 journey has been overshadowed by serious off-field controversy after reports emerged that captain Ryan Mendes is under investigation in New Zealand over an alleged rape case. The development comes just days before Cape Verde's Round of 32 clash against Argentina, raising significant attention around the team despite its historic run to the knockout stage. According to reports, the alleged incident dates back to March during the FIFA Series tournament held in Auckland, New Zealand.The complainant, a Brazilian woman who reportedly worked as a translator for the Cape Verde delegation, has alleged that Mendes sexually assaulted her in a hotel room. She is said to have provided photographs of her alleged injuries, medical records, and other evidence to New Zealand authorities. Cape Verde captain Ryan Mendes under police investigation for rapeCape Verde captain Ryan Mendes is being investigated by New Zealand Police after a Brazilian woman accused him of rape. The woman says it happened in March while Cape Verde were on a tour in Oceania. pic.twitter.com/CEoik3qold— just__dreamit (@just__dreamit) June 28, 2026 New Zealand Police have confirmed that an investigation is underway but have not publicly identified the individual involved, citing the country's privacy laws. At this stage, Ryan Mendes has not been charged with any offence, and the allegations remain under investigation. Reports also state that formal complaints have been submitted to FIFA and the Cape Verde Football Federation.The controversy has emerged at a crucial stage of the World Cup, with Cape Verde preparing to face defending champions Argentina in the Round of 32. The African nation has enjoyed a dream tournament by reaching the knockout rounds for the first time in its history. Despite the investigation, Mendes has continued to captain the side, and no sporting sanctions have been announced against him so far.The case remains under active investigation, and authorities have not yet decided whether charges will be filed. No court has ruled on the allegations, and Mendes is presumed innocent unless proven guilty through due legal process. As the legal proceedings continue, the focus will remain on both the investigation and Cape Verde's highly anticipated World Cup encounter against Argentina.