Cape Verde captain, Ryan Mendes, 36, accused of raping translator

Ryan Mendes, the 36-year-old football team captain for Cape Verde for the 2026 World Cup, has been accused of raping the team’s translator.

The assault allegedly occurred at a hotel in Auckland, where the team stayed during a trip to New Zealand in March 2026, Globo reported.

The translator’s identity was not disclosed.

Assault

The translator told Globo that the team had hired her to work during the Fifa series, an invitational association football tournament, in New Zealand.

She was apparently invited to a meeting in a hotel room following a match against Chile on Mar. 27.

Upon arrival, the translator reportedly realised it was a social gathering rather than an official team meeting.

She then returned to her room but was allegedly followed by Mendes, who knocked on her door.

When the translator opened the door, Mendes purportedly forced his way into the room and assaulted her.

He reportedly choked, punched, bit and raped her.

Report

The translator reported the incident to the New Zealand police.

She apparently sought treatment at a clinic for survivors of sexual violence and was given a forensic exam.

According to medical reports, she suffered multiple bruises on her breasts, neck, lips and injuries to her scalp.

An examination of her genitals also revealed "two circular lesions, painful to the touch”.

The translator sent this information to the New Zealand police on Apr. 10.

On May 10, she and her husband also lodged complaints to Fifa and the Cape Verdean Football Federation.

They requested that Mendes be barred from participation in the World Cup, alleging rape and citing evidence.

According to the translator, the Cape Verdean Football Federation apparently said this issue was Mendes’ personal problem.

“The Cape Verde Football Federation does not approve of this type of behaviour anywhere. But it remains Ryan's personal problem," an official reportedly said.

She has not received a response from Fifa.

Fifa

According to The Independent, a Fifa spokesperson confirmed that it is "in contact with the New Zealand authorities", but "cannot comment further at this stage".

“Fifa takes any allegation of misconduct extremely seriously and has a clear process in place for anyone in football who wants to report an incident," the spokesperson said.

This comes after Cape Verde’s notable performances in the World Cup.

The team held Spain to a 0-0 draw in its opening match and became the smallest nation to qualify for the World Cup’s knockout stage.