Ryan Mendes

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.