Cape Verde captain Ryan Mendes is under police investigation in New Zealand, following allegations that he raped a Brazilian translator hired by the national team during a trip to the country earlier this year.
According to reports, the alleged incident occurred in March while Cape Verde was in New Zealand for the FIFA Series tournament.
The 36-year-old footballer, who has featured in all three of Cape Verde’s matches at the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup, is accused of sexually assaulting the translator at the team’s hotel in Auckland.
The woman, whose identity has not been disclosed, told investigators that she had been invited to a gathering in one of the rooms reserved for the Cape Verde delegation after the team’s match against Chile.
She said she later returned to her own room after realising her translation services were not required.
According to her statement to police, Mendes allegedly knocked on her door, forced his way into the room after she opened it, physically assaulted her by choking, punching and biting her before allegedly raping her.
The complainant reportedly submitted photographs showing injuries to her mouth, neck, leg and side as part of the police investigation.
Brazilian media also reported that the woman informed several officials within the Cape Verde Football Federation about the alleged assault but claimed no action was taken.
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New Zealand police are investigating the complaint and have reportedly obtained hotel security camera footage while awaiting the outcome of forensic examinations before deciding whether criminal charges will be filed.
The alleged assault was first reported by New Zealand media last month without identifying the player involved.
Mendes has not publicly responded to the allegations.
World football governing body FIFA said it is in contact with New Zealand authorities and treats allegations of misconduct “extremely seriously.”
However, the organisation declined to comment further or confirm whether any disciplinary proceedings are underway while investigations continue.
The allegations remain under investigation, and no criminal charges have been announced against Mendes at the time of reporting.
