Cape Verde has already made history. The Blue Sharks will play in their first-ever FIFA World Cup after securing a historic qualification last October, knocking Cameroon out in the process. But as the African nation prepares for the biggest moment in its soccer history, it will do so without one of its best-known players.

Tiago Manuel Dias Correia, better known as Bebé, was not included in head coach Pedro Bubista’s World Cup squad.

Why Bebé was left out of Cape Verde’s World Cup squad

The veteran winger was arguably the biggest surprise omission from the roster.

A familiar face to fans of England and Spanish soccer, Bebé had been a regular under Bubista until November 2024. Since then, he has fallen out of the coach’s plans and has not been recalled to the national team. Now 35, Bebé has made 27 appearances and scored six goals for Cape Verde. He played an important role during the team’s rise and featured in two World Cup qualifying matches.

The former Rayo Vallecano, Eibar and Manchester United player recently spoke with AS about missing out on the tournament.

“It hurts not to be there. I believe I could have brought experience in addition to what I offer on the field, but I have no choice except to accept it and support my teammates,” Bebé said. “The coach knows I still want what’s best for them and that I’ll always be available whenever he calls.”

Although born and raised in Portugal, where he represented the country’s under-19 and under-21 national teams, Bebé expressed his willingness to play for Cape Verde in 2019. He made his senior debut for the Blue Sharks in March 2022.

An emotional blow, but unwavering support

With Bubista in charge, Bebé became an important part of the national team setup, scoring six international goals.

He admitted that being left out of the World Cup was a major disappointment but made it clear he will continue supporting the team from afar.

“I deeply love my country, and playing for the national team is an indescribable feeling,” he said. “I get emotional just talking about it. I always try to give everything I have in every match, but when I play for the national team, I always push myself even further because the motivation is even greater.”

Instead of taking the field at the World Cup, Bebé will be watching his teammates from home after what was purely a technical decision by the coaching staff.

Bebé’s warning to Spain

Despite his disappointment, the former Rayo Vallecano winger said he is proud of everything Cape Verde has achieved and warned Spain not to underestimate the World Cup newcomers ahead of today’s opener.

“Spain shouldn’t take Cape Verde lightly,” he said. “Everyone thinks we’re just here to make up the numbers and that we’ll be heading home early, but I know what my teammates are capable of. They have quality, ambition, energy and excitement.”

Strong club season not enough

Although he will not be traveling to the World Cup, Bebé is coming off his first full season with UD Ibiza after joining the club in January 2025 under Paco Jémez.

He logged 2,346 minutes across 34 appearances this season, scoring four goals and providing six assists. He started 27 matches and played a leading role for the club, but it still wasn’t enough to earn a place in Cape Verde’s World Cup squad.

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