RismadarVoice Reporters, June 29, 2026
Cape Verde national team captain, Ryan Mendes is under police investigation in New Zealand following allegations that he sexually assaulted a translator during the team’s visit to the country earlier this year.
According to reports by Brazilian media outlet Globo, the alleged incident occurred in March while the Cape Verde national team was in New Zealand for the FIFA Series tournament.
The complainant, a Brazilian woman employed as the team’s translator, accused the 36-year-old forward of forcing his way into her hotel room before physically assaulting and raping her.
The woman claimed she had attended what she believed was a work-related gathering after Cape Verde’s match against Chile but left when she realised her translation services were not required.
In a statement reportedly submitted to New Zealand police, she said Mendes later knocked on the door of her hotel room and allegedly forced his way inside after she opened it.
She alleged that he assaulted her by choking, punching and biting her before sexually assaulting her.
The complainant also provided investigators with photographs showing injuries to her mouth, neck, leg and side, according to media reports.
The case is being investigated by New Zealand police, who have reportedly obtained security camera footage from the Auckland hotel where the alleged incident occurred.
Authorities are also awaiting the outcome of forensic examinations before deciding whether any criminal charges will be filed.
The alleged assault was first reported by New Zealand media last month, although the player’s identity was not disclosed at the time beyond confirming he was a member of the Cape Verde national team.
The woman also claimed she informed several officials within Cape Verde’s football delegation about the alleged incident but received no response.
Mendes, who captained Cape Verde to a historic appearance in the FIFA World Cup knockout stage, has not publicly responded to the allegations.
World football governing body FIFA said it is aware of the reports and remains in contact with New Zealand authorities.
In a statement, FIFA said it treats allegations of misconduct “extremely seriously” but declined to comment further or confirm whether any disciplinary proceedings are underway while investigations continue.
The police investigation remains ongoing, and no criminal charges have been announced against Mendes as of the time of filing this report.
