Cape Verde's Pico Lopes welcomed home as Irish hero after World Cup run

Roberto “Pico” Lopes, the Shamrock Rovers defender who represented Cape Verde at the 2026 World Cup, returned to Dublin to a hero’s welcome. He was greeted at Dublin Airport by his wife Leah, eight‑month‑old son Diego, his parents and a crowd of Shamrock Rovers supporters who chanted his name and waved Cape Verde flags. Lopes said the reception was “overwhelming” and called playing at the tournament “a dream come true.”

During the World Cup, Cape Verde became the smallest nation to reach the knockout stage and pushed defending champions Argentina to extra‑time, where Lopes faced Lionel Messi. He recounted touching Messi at half‑time, joking “I just needed to make sure he was real.” After the tournament, Lopes joined RTÉ’s World Cup analysis panel for the Argentina‑Egypt and England‑Norway matches and spoke about the “surreal” journey and the pride of representing two nations.

His wife Leah posted an emotional tribute, praising him as a role model and a source of national pride. Lopes’ story has highlighted Cape Verde on the global football map and inspired hopes for future World Cup appearances.