Cape Verdean captain Ryan Mendes accused of rape by Brazilian interpreter; probe in New Zealand: Report

Cape Verdean captain Ryan Mendes is being investigated by New Zealand police for allegedly raping a Brazilian woman, according to Globo Esporte. The incident reportedly took place in March when the woman was working as an interpreter for the team during their friendlies in the country.

The woman was hired by the New Zealand Football Federation as an interpreter for the Cape Verde team, whose official language is Portuguese, and for operational support during the FIFA series.

The incident is said to have taken place in Auckland, where the Cape Verdean team was playing warm-up matches before the FIFA World Cup against Chile and New Zealand.

The woman was allegedly raped by Mendes on March 27 at the team’s hotel in Auckland, according to a GE report citing the complaint. The incident was reported to the police on April 10.

In a statement, the New Zealand Police confirmed they were investigating a complaint “which was registered on April 10, 2026 in the central Auckland area”.

On the day of the alleged rape, Cape Verde lost 4–2 to Chile before drawing with New Zealand and winning on penalties three days later.

What does the complaint say?

According to a report by Globo Esporte, citing a police complaint, the woman claimed she was invited to a meeting in one of the rooms reserved for the national team at the hotel after their first match against Chile. She told police she went thinking she would be needed as an interpreter.

However, she said that when she realized it was a social gathering, she went back to her room because she felt physically ill.

But that’s when Ryan Mendes allegedly entered her room and physically assaulted her, choking, punching and biting her when she tried to fight back and raping her, according to the complaint.

The woman told GE that she had contacted the Cape Verde Football Federation but received no support. A federation official reportedly told the woman it was a “personal issue for Ryan”.

In addition to the police report, the Brazilian sports reporter also had access to photos of the bruises submitted to the police and a medical report from the clinic that treated the woman, including medical examinations and psychological counseling after the incident. A medical report identified injuries to her genitalia, including bruising to her breasts, neck and lips.

Other 2026 FIFA World Cup players face rape allegations

There are currently four World Cup teams that have players who face/have faced rape allegations or investigations: