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2026-07-25 18:30 UTC → 2026-08-02 20:11 UTC ·
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Cape Verde footballer star Pico Lopes welcomed home returns after World Cup
After Cape Verde qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Cape Verde defender Roberto “Pico” Lopes returned becoming the second‑smallest nation by land area to Dublin reach the tournament and received entering the competition ranked 67th. The Blue Sharks opened with a hero’s welcome at 0‑0 draw against world No. 2 Spain, finished second in their group and later fell to Argentina in the airport, round of 32 after a 111th‑minute extra‑time goal. Central defender Pico Lopes, recruited to the squad via a LinkedIn message that went viral, highlighted the team’s belief that they deserved their place. After the tournament, the 34‑year‑old defender returned to Dublin, where he was greeted at the airport by his wife, infant son, parents, parents and a crowd of Shamrock Rovers supporters waving Cape Verde flags. He described the reception as overwhelming and reflected on the tournament, including his encounter with Lionel Messi. A few weeks later, Dublin City Council organized then organised a civic welcome at Lowe’s his first club, Lourdes Celtic FC in Crumlin, where Lopes addressed a group of children, urging them to dream big and emphasizing sport’s community‑building power. Following the ceremony, he Lopes and his wife Leah spent a short staycation at a lodge Wineport Lodge in County Westmeath, enjoying a floating hot‑tub pavilion, lakeside sauna, a pre‑dinner cruise and a dinner at the lodge, sharing photos of their the leisure activities. Both events highlight Lopes’s celebrated return to Ireland and his role in raising Cape Verde’s profile in international football. activities on social media.