CAPE Verde’s captain is being investigated for an alleged rape that took place in a New Zealand hotel.
Ryan Mendes, 36, has been accused of sexually assaulting a Brazilian woman while the winger’s team were in Auckland for a friendly match.
Cape Verde captain Ryan Mendes has been accused of rape Credit: Shutterstock Editorial
New Zealand police are currently probing the star Credit: Getty
The star, who has led his team to the knockout stages of the World Cup, has been under police investigation since April 10.
New Zealand police have reportedly collected pictures of the woman’s alleged injuries.
Local cops also have a medical exam from the clinic she visited following the alleged rape.
The woman was a contracted interpreter working for the New Zealand Football Federation for the Cape Verde squad, according to Globo .
The alleged rape took place on March 27, while the international’s team were in Oceania for two friendly games.
They played in a 4-2 loss to Chile on the day of the alleged rape and then drew with New Zealand before winning on penalties three days later.
The accuser told local cops she was invited to a meeting in one of the team’s rooms at the hotel they were staying at.
She said she thought she would be acting as an interpreter.
But when she got there, she claimed there was a social gathering.
Soon after, she returned to her room as she was allegedly feeling unwell.
The woman then heard knocking on her door, before allegedly finding Mendes outside.
He allegedly forced himself inside the room and raped her.
The footballer has also been accused of strangling, punching and biting her as she tried to escape.
Photos that she took shortly after allegedly showed the extent of her injuries – including cuts on her mouth and bruises on her neck and legs.
She underwent a forensic exam at a clinic where she was found to have multiple bruises and injuries.
In addition to undergoing the forensic exam, the woman received psychological support from the clinic.
She stated that she contacted the Cape Verdean Football Federation regarding the incident but received no assistance.
New Zealand police have reportedly obtained hotel security camera footage and are still deciding whether to file charges.
Mendes, who currently plays for Turkish Second Division side Igdir FK, started all three group-stage matches for Cape Verde during their impressive 2026 World Cup campaign.
After finishing second in Group H to secure qualification for the knockout rounds, the nation is set to face Argentina this Friday in Miami.
The New Zealand Football Federation told Globo : “We understand that this matter is with the New Zealand Police, so they would be more appropriately positioned to comment on the situation.”
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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