Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha jobless as captain Ryan Mendes faces assault probe

Cape Verde's 40‑year‑old goalkeeper Josimar José Évora Dias, known as Vozinha, became a national hero after keeping clean sheets that helped the island nation reach the World Cup knockout stage for the first time. Despite his performances, his contract with Portuguese second‑division side Chaves ended and he remains without a new club, saying he is open to any opportunity.

At the same time, team captain Ryan Mendes, 36, has been accused of sexually assaulting a Brazilian female translator employed by New Zealand Football during a friendly‑match camp in Auckland. New Zealand police opened an investigation in April, and the victim’s family has appealed to the Cape Verdean federation and FIFA to bar Mendes from the tournament, though neither body has responded.

The dual stories highlight the Cape Verde squad's on‑field success and off‑field controversies as they prepare for the remainder of the competition.