Cape Verde Captain Ryan Mendes Under Investigation Over Alleged Sexual Assault

Cape Verde captain Ryan Mendes is under police investigation in New Zealand over an alleged sexual assault involving a translator who worked with the national team, according to Brazilian media outlet Globo Esporte.

The alleged incident reportedly occurred on March 27, 2026, at a hotel in Auckland during Cape Verde’s participation in the FIFA Friendly Series.

According to the report, the complainant, a Brazilian translator hired by the Cape Verde Football Federation, alleged that Mendes entered her hotel room and sexually assaulted her.

Medical and forensic examinations reportedly documented multiple injuries, while investigators have also obtained hotel security footage as part of the ongoing inquiry.

The complainant and her husband are said to have asked both the Cape Verde Football Federation and FIFA to exclude Mendes from the country’s World Cup squad while the investigation was underway, but no action was reportedly taken.

New Zealand Police have confirmed that an investigation is ongoing but have not publicly identified the player because of the country’s privacy laws. No criminal charges have been filed, with authorities awaiting the outcome of final forensic examinations.

The investigation comes as Cape Verde continue their historic FIFA World Cup campaign. The Blue Sharks have reached the Round of 32 and are scheduled to face Argentina on July 3.