Cape Verdean captain cleared of rape charges, accused faces false statement charge
New Zealand police have dismissed allegations of rape against Cape Verde captain Ryan Mendes, with the 40-year-old woman who made the complaint now facing charges of perjury.
According to the AP agency, Detective Inspector Scott Beard confirmed on Friday that an of an alleged sexual assault at a downtown Auckland hotel in March was not substantiated after months of investigation. The woman has been charged under the New Zealand Crimes Act and is expected to appear in court next week.
“The decision to prosecute in these circumstances is not taken lightly and follows months of investigative work by our Adult Sexual Assault Team,” Beard said.
The alleged incident reportedly took place hours after Cape Verde faced Chile in an international friendly in Auckland. Chile won the match 4–2.
Mendes’ lawyer, Karl Trotter, said the allegations had put his client under intense international media scrutiny, with the issue repeatedly coming up during media interactions following Cape Verde’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The 36-year-old was reportedly asked about the allegation at almost every media conference he attended, making it difficult for him to overcome the controversy.
“Mr Mendes was thrilled to finally get it over with and he considers it a complete vindication,” Trotter told the New Zealand Herald.
The lawyer also expressed hope that the latest development will receive the same media attention as the original allegation.
“It is to be hoped that this recent turn of events, which has cleared Mr. Mendes of rape charges, will attract the same media attention as the original reports,” he said.
WHO IS RYAN MENDS?
Mendes is Cape Verde’s best footballer, having made 103 appearances for the national team since his debut in 2010. The 36-year-old has been part of the country’s rise in international football, with Cape Verde attracting global attention for their performances at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Cape Verde reached the round of 32 after picking up points against Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia in the group stage. Their campaign eventually came to an end against Argentina, with Mendes and his teammates suffering an extra-time defeat in the knockout stages.
The World Cup campaign further raised the profile of Cape Verdean football, with Mendes among the experienced figures in the squad. At club level, the forward currently represents Moroccan side RS Berkane.
With New Zealand police now denying the rape allegations and accusing the complainant of making a false statement, Mendes will be hoping to put the controversy behind him and return to football.
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