Cape Verde national team captain Ryan Mendes has been cleared following sexual assault allegations, according to a report by Jon Arnold of USA TODAY Sports published on November 4, 2026.
The forward, who has represented Cape Verde at multiple Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, faced accusations that have now been resolved in his favor. Details regarding the nature of the allegations or the process that led to his exoneration were not immediately disclosed in the initial report.
Mendes, who has played professionally in France for clubs including Lille, Le Havre, and Nancy, remains a key figure for the Cape Verdean side known as the Blue Sharks.
