Ryan Mendes
RW
Half-Space Orchestrator
Jan 8, 1990 (36)
Right
5'10"
165 lb
Ranking
Grades
Key Grades
This season
Overall Grades by game
This season
Matches
News
Makes World Cup debut
Mendes recorded one shot (zero on goal) in Monday's 0-0 draw versus Spain.
Analysis: Mendes captained and played the full 90 minutes in Cape Verde's scoreless draw against Spain, recording a shot and also three clearances while winning four of his six ground duels. Despite being deployed in an attacking role, he spent much of the match supporting his fullback Steven Moreira and helping Cape Verde maintain numerical superiority on the flank whenever Spain attempted to create overloads. Mendes came into the World Cup having recorded seven goals contributions in 29 games last season.
Record cap holder and goals leader
Mendes has been named in Cape Verde's World Cup squad as captain and the all-time leading scorer with 22 goals from 96 caps, arriving as the most celebrated figure in the history of Cape Verdean football.
Analysis: Mendes ended the season at Igdir FK in the Turkish TFF First League, contributing five goals and two assists in 29 appearances at club level despite his advancing years in a career that has seen him become the most capped and highest-scoring player in his nation's history. The veteran brings irreplaceable leadership, experience and the winning mentality that has been central to Cape Verde's development into one of the most respected African football nations over the past decade. Mendes heads into the World Cup knowing this historic tournament is the crowning achievement of his remarkable career and the moment he and a generation of Cape Verdean players have worked their entire lives to reach.
Select Player
Search and select a player to compare