Cape Verde player profile
Ryan Mendes
Ryan Mendes is Cape Verde’s captain and one of its most-capped attacking leaders. FIFA singled him out as a key figure in the Blue Sharks’ qualification story, and he was named in the federation’s 2026 World Cup squad.
- Position
- Forward
- Squad status
- Current squad
Captain, long-serving attacker and on-field leader
Ryan Mendes is Cape Verde’s captain and one of its most-capped attacking leaders. FIFA singled him out as a key figure in the Blue Sharks’ qualification story, and he was named in the federation’s 2026 World Cup squad.
For the wider picture — the coach, the qualifying run and the World Cup itself — start with the Cape Verde national team overview and the 2026 World Cup story.
Explore Ryan’s Cape Verde
The players are the reason many people first hear of Cape Verde. Here is the country behind them.
More Cape Verde football
Last reviewed: July 2026. Travel rules and football data change — always confirm time-sensitive details before you rely on them.