Cape Verde Captain Ryan Mendes Under Investigation for Raping Translator in Hotel Room

• Cape Verde captain Ryan Mendes is being investigated by New Zealand police after a Brazilian translator accused him of forcing his way into her hotel room and sexually assaulting her during the team’s trip to New Zealand in March.

Cape Verde captain Ryan Mendes has been accused of rape by a Brazilian woman who worked as a translator for the national team during a trip to New Zealand earlier this year.

According to Brazilian media outlet Globo, the alleged incident occurred in March after Cape Verde played a FIFA Series match against Chile in Auckland.

The woman, whose identity has not been disclosed, claimed she had been hired to work as a translator for the team and was invited to what she believed was a work-related meeting in one of the players’ hotel rooms.

However, she said she soon realised the gathering was merely social and decided to return to her room.

In a statement to New Zealand police, the woman alleged that shortly afterward, Mendes knocked on her door and, when she opened it, forced his way into the room.

She further alleged that the footballer physically assaulted her before sexually assaulting her.

According to reports, the woman provided police with photographs showing injuries to her mouth, neck, leg and side as part of the investigation.

The case is currently being investigated by New Zealand authorities, who have reportedly obtained security camera footage from the hotel and are awaiting forensic results before deciding whether to file charges.

The allegations first emerged in New Zealand media last month, although the player’s identity was not initially disclosed.

Mendes, 36, has played in all of Cape Verde’s matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup and has not publicly responded to the allegations.

Football’s governing body, FIFA said it is aware of the reports and is in contact with New Zealand authorities, adding that it takes allegations of misconduct “extremely seriously.”

However, the organisation declined to comment further or confirm whether any official disciplinary investigation is underway.

The allegations come at a historic moment for Cape Verde, which recently became the smallest nation ever to reach the FIFA World Cup knockout stages.