Cape Verde national team captain Ryan Mendes is under investigation by New Zealand police following allegations that he raped a Brazilian woman who was working as a translator for the team during a football tour in March.

According to reports, the alleged incident occurred in Auckland while the Cape Verde squad was in New Zealand for the FIFA Series. The complainant, a Brazilian translator hired to assist the team, alleges that Mendes entered her hotel room and sexually assaulted her after a social gathering involving members of the delegation. She also claims she was physically assaulted during the incident.

The woman reportedly submitted photographs of her injuries, medical records and other evidence to New Zealand police, who have been investigating the case since April. Authorities are said to have obtained hotel security camera footage and are awaiting the outcome of forensic examinations before deciding whether criminal charges will be filed.

New Zealand Police have confirmed that an investigation is ongoing but have not released further details because of the active inquiry. The allegations were first reported without naming the player, but Brazilian media later identified Mendes as the subject of the investigation.

The 36-year-old winger has continued to captain Cape Verde during the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup, where the African nation has reached the knockout stage for the first time in its history. FIFA said it is aware of the matter and has been in contact with New Zealand law enforcement authorities but declined to comment further while investigations continue.

As of the time of publication, Mendes has not publicly responded to the allegations, and no criminal charges have been announced. Under New Zealand law, the investigation remains ongoing, and the allegations have not been tested in court. Mendes is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.