Ryan Mendes: Cape Verde Captain at the 2026 World Cup

Ryan Mendes captained Cape Verde’s historic 2026 World Cup run, leading the debutant Blue Sharks to the Round of 32 before a narrow 3-2 extra-time loss to Argentina. Cape Verde’s all-time leading scorer and most-capped player, he joined Moroccan club RS Berkane after the tournament.

Who is Ryan Mendes?

Ryan Isaac Mendes da Graça, born in Mindelo, Cape Verde on 8 January 1990, is a veteran winger and Cape Verde’s all-time record appearance-maker and top scorer, with over 100 caps and 22 goals. He built his career in France with Le Havre and Lille, had a loan spell at Nottingham Forest in England, then moved through the UAE (Sharjah, Al-Nasr Dubai) and several Turkish clubs before captaining the Blue Sharks at their first World Cup.

What did Ryan Mendes achieve at the 2026 World Cup?

Shop Cape Verde Jerseys

Mens Cape Verde 2025 Home Jersey$ 43,99Mens Cape Verde 2025 Away Jersey$ 43,99Mens Cape Verde 2025 Third Jersey$ 43,99

As captain, Mendes led Cape Verde’s first-ever World Cup campaign to the Round of 32 — the first debutant nation to reach the knockout stage since Slovakia in 2010. He earned his 100th international cap during the tournament and set up Cape Verde’s goal in a dramatic 3-2 extra-time defeat to Argentina.

Where does Ryan Mendes play now?

After the World Cup, Mendes signed for RS Berkane in Morocco on a free transfer for the 2026-27 season, with an option to extend. He is reunited there with Cape Verde teammate Vozinha, the World Cup breakout goalkeeper, who also joined the club.

Where can I buy a Ryan Mendes Cape Verde jersey?

Shop Cape Verde 2026 World Cup jerseys at 433FC, with Mendes name-and-number printing available — the home and away jerseys are in stock now. Worldwide shipping available.