Ryan Mendes has not been charged as New Zealand police review an allegation from March.
AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND — New Zealand police are investigating a rape allegation involving Cape Verde captain Ryan Mendes after a Brazilian interpreter said she was attacked during the team’s March trip to Auckland for FIFA Series matches.
The case has surfaced during Cape Verde’s first World Cup appearance, a run that has turned the small Atlantic island nation into one of the tournament’s main stories. Mendes, 36, is the team captain and one of its most experienced players. Police have confirmed an allegation was reported April 10 in central Auckland, but no charges have been announced.
The woman told investigators the alleged assault happened after Cape Verde played Chile on March 27 in Auckland. She had been working with the team as an interpreter and operational aide during the visit, according to reports based on her complaint. The team was staying at a hotel while taking part in the FIFA Series, a set of international matches held before the World Cup. New Zealand police said in May that “an allegation is under investigation,” but did not name the player or give details because the inquiry was still active.
The complainant said she was invited to what she believed was a work meeting in a room used by members of the delegation after the Chile match. She said she left after realizing it was a social gathering, then returned to her own room because she felt unwell. According to her account, Mendes later came to her door, entered the room and assaulted her. She said the attack included choking, punching and biting before the alleged rape. Mendes has not publicly answered the allegation in the reports reviewed for this story.
The woman later sought medical care at a clinic that supports people who report sexual violence. Reports said she provided police with photos of injuries and medical records from that visit. The records described bruising and other injuries that she said were connected to the alleged assault. Police also obtained hotel security footage as part of the investigation, according to multiple reports. It remains unknown what the footage shows, whether forensic testing has been completed or when police will decide whether to file charges.
The allegation was first reported publicly in New Zealand without the player’s name. Brazilian media later identified Mendes as the accused player, and other outlets repeated that reporting. The woman and her husband also sent formal complaints in May to FIFA and the Cape Verdean football federation, asking for action against Mendes before the World Cup. FIFA said it was in contact with New Zealand authorities but could not comment further while the investigation continued. New Zealand Football said it had not been contacted by police at the time of the early reports but would assist if asked.
Cape Verde’s football federation has faced questions about how it handled the woman’s complaint. The woman said she contacted several officials connected to Cape Verdean football and did not receive the support she sought. One report said an official described the matter as Mendes’ personal problem. The federation has not issued a detailed public response in the reports reviewed for this story. The lack of public comment has left unanswered questions about what team officials knew, when they knew it and whether any internal review is underway.
The case has followed Mendes into a World Cup that had been defined by Cape Verde’s rise. The team made its tournament debut in 2026 and advanced from a group that included Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia. Head coach Bubista said after the group stage that Cape Verde had shown smaller countries could have large goals through focus, work and organization. The team’s draw with Saudi Arabia in Houston sent Cape Verde into a knockout match against Argentina, giving the country one of the most important games in its football history.
Mendes has played a central role in Cape Verde’s national team for years. He is a veteran forward, the team’s captain and one of its leading scorers. His status has made the allegation a major development beyond the police file, because he has continued with the squad while the investigation remains open. No court has tested the allegation, and no New Zealand authority has announced a charge. The legal question now rests with investigators, who must decide whether the evidence meets the standard to move the case forward.
New Zealand police have not set a public timetable for the inquiry. Investigators are expected to review witness accounts, hotel records, security video, medical material and forensic results before deciding the next step. If charges are filed, the case would move into New Zealand’s court system. If police decide the evidence is not enough to proceed, the investigation could close without a prosecution. As of Friday, Mendes remained under investigation, and Cape Verde’s World Cup campaign was continuing under that shadow.
Author note: Last updated July 3, 2026.