Cape Verde striker Pico Lopes welcomed home in Dublin after World Cup

34‑year‑old Cape Verde international Pico Lopes returned from the 2026 World Cup in the United States to Dublin, where Dublin City Council organised a civic welcome at his first club, Lourdes Celtic FC in Crumlin. Surrounded by children, he urged youngsters to dream big and work hard, saying sport brings communities together.

Later, Lopes and his wife Leah, who have a baby son, spent a few days at Wineport Lodge in County Westmeath. The couple relaxed in a floating hot‑tub pavilion, used a lakeside sauna, enjoyed a pre‑dinner cruise and a dinner at the lodge, sharing photos of the stay on social media.