Ryan Mendes: From Le Havre prospect to Cape Verde's World Cup captain
Cape Verde captain Ryan Mendes reflects on his seven-year journey in French football with Le Havre and Lille before leading his nation at the World Cup.
Ryan Mendes a disputé 74 matches sous le maillot lillois, pour 9 buts et 6 passes décisives, entre 2012 et 2017. (F. Faugère/L'Équipe) Au Havre, Ryan Mendes a disputé 94 matches pour 24 buts et 10 passes décisives, entre 2009 et 2012. (P. Lablatinière/L'Équipe)
Ryan Mendes has become the bedrock of the Cape Verde squad at this World Cup. At 36, he holds the record for the most caps (97) and goals (22) in his nation's history, having served as captain for the past seven years. Before becoming an idol for his archipelago, Mendes spent seven years honing his craft in France.
Spotted at a U17 tournament, Mendes joined Le Havre in 2009. Teammates describe him as a reserved, introverted character who let his performance do the talking. «He didn't do 50 step-overs like Riyad [Mahrez],» recalls former teammate Benjamin Genton. «He just pushed the ball at the right moment to unbalance his opponent.»
In 2012, Mendes moved to Lille in a record-breaking deal for Le Havre. However, his time in the north was plagued by recurring injuries, including a significant ankle problem four months after his arrival. These setbacks hampered his consistency and prevented him from fully establishing himself as a long-term starter in Ligue 1.
Despite the challenges, Mendes's perseverance defined his career. After stints in Turkey and the UAE, he currently plays for the Turkish side Igdir and remains the heartbeat of the 'Blue Sharks' on the global stage. His journey from a shy academy graduate to a World Cup captain stands as a testament to his resilience.