Cape Verde National Team Captain Investigated for Alleged Rape in New Zealand
Ryan Mendes, captain of the Cape Verde national football team, is under investigation in New Zealand following a rape allegation made by a Brazilian woman. The alleged incident took place in March 2026 at a hotel in Auckland where both Mendes and the complainant were staying. The woman reported severe violence including strangulation, punches, and biting before the assault, and provided Globo, a Brazilian media outlet, with photos showing extensive bruising and injuries.
The complainant and her partner sent formal warning letters on May 10 to the Cape Verde Football Federation and FIFA, demanding Mendes be barred from participating in the 2026 World Cup. Despite the seriousness of the accusations, neither the complainant nor her partner responded to further inquiries. A leaked WhatsApp conversation revealed a senior official from the Cape Verde Football Federation referring to the case as "a personal problem of Ryan only."
The investigation in New Zealand is ongoing amid growing public pressure regarding Mendes' participation in the upcoming World Cup tournament. The case has drawn significant media attention due to the gravity of the allegations and the timing ahead of the global event.
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