Meet Cape Verde captain Ryan Mendes: The World Cup star under investigation over an alleged sexual assault
Cape Verde captain Ryan Mendes is under police investigation over serious allegations but has not been charged and continues to play.
Ryan Mendes has emerged as one of the most talked-about figures at the 2026 World Cup, both for his role in Cape Verde’s historic run and for serious allegations that are currently under investigation.
The 36-year-old forward, his country’s all-time leading scorer and most-capped player, is being investigated by police in New Zealand over an allegation of rape dating back to March. Mendes has not been charged, and the investigation remains ongoing.
What are the allegations against Ryan Mendes?
According to multiple international reports, the allegation stems from an incident said to have taken place during a FIFA Series event held in New Zealand earlier this year. A Brazilian woman working with the Cape Verde squad during that tournament reported the alleged incident to local authorities.
Reports claim the woman told police that Mendes entered her room and assaulted her. Documentation and sources cited by media outlets have linked Mendes to the case, though authorities have not publicly named him in official statements.
New Zealand Police have previously confirmed that an investigation into an incident involving a Cape Verde player is ongoing, but have declined to provide further details.
Has Mendes been charged?
At this stage, Mendes has not been charged with any crime. The case remains under investigation, and no formal legal proceedings have been announced. Neither Mendes nor representatives for the Cape Verdean Football Federation have publicly commented on the allegations.
A spokesperson for FIFA has said the organization is aware of the situation and is in contact with the relevant authorities, while emphasizing that its independent bodies do not comment on ongoing cases.
Why is he still playing?
Despite the investigation, Mendes has continued to feature for Cape Verde at the World Cup. He has played in all of his team’s matches so far, helping guide them through a remarkable group-stage campaign. Cape Verde stunned many by holding Spain and Uruguay to draws before advancing to the knockout stage, a historic achievement for one of the smallest nations ever to reach that point.
Their Round of 32 match against Argentina marks another milestone, with Mendes expected to again play a central role.
The current situation
The situation involving Mendes comes at a time when football is facing increased scrutiny over how it handles serious allegations involving players. Other high-profile cases have also drawn attention during the tournament, raising broader questions about duty of care, legal processes, and whether players under investigation should continue to participate while cases remain unresolved.
For now, the key facts are that Mendes is under investigation, denies have not been formally recorded in court, and no charges have been brought. As the World Cup continues, his presence ensures that both his performances on the field and the situation off it will remain under close watch.
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