https://www.youtube.com/@WeBelieveM

Cabo Verde. We Believe., Boston, MA (2026)

10/11/2026

Júlio Tavares — A Career Worth Celebrating 🇨🇻

Born in Tarrafal de São Nicolau on November 19, 1988, Júlio Tavares moved to France with his family at six years old. He worked his way through lower-division football before becoming a professional striker, a Dijon legend and an important player for Cabo Verde. His international debut came against Ghana on November 14, 2012. (transfermarkt.us, inside.fifa.com, es.wikipedia.org)

For the national team, Júlio’s recorded career includes 48 appearances and eight goals. He represented Cabo Verde at AFCON 2013, 2015 and 2021, contributing to the historic quarterfinal run on our tournament debut. One of his biggest moments came on January 9, 2022, when his header secured a 1–0 victory over Ethiopia in our AFCON opener. His strength, aerial presence and ability to occupy defenders also created space for the players around him. (en.wikipedia.org, national-football-teams.com, cafonline.com)

His club career deserves recognition too. During his first spell at Dijon from 2012 to 2020, the club credits him with 270 appearances, 80 goals and 29 assists. He departed as Dijon’s all-time leading scorer and helped earn promotion to Ligue 1 in 2016, contributing 11 goals and four assists that season. He returned to the club in 2025. (dfco.fr, dfco.fr)

In Saudi Arabia, Júlio delivered a remarkable trophy-winning performance: a hat-trick in Al-Faisaly’s 3–2 victory over Al-Taawoun in the 2021 King’s Cup final, securing the club’s first major title. He also finished that cup campaign as its leading scorer with four goals. Dijon later reported 45 goals in 125 Saudi league appearances, plus two goals in five AFC Champions League matches. (the-afc.com, transfermarkt.com, dfco.fr)

From São Nicolau to scoring records in France and a hat-trick in a cup final, Júlio built a career through persistence and decisive performances. For Cabo Verde, he was part of the generation that established us on the AFCON stage—and a striker who delivered an important tournament winner. His contribution deserves to be remembered and celebrated.

10/11/2026

Ryan Mendes — A Key Figure Who Deserves More Recognition 🇨🇻

Since his debut on August 11, 2010, Ryan Mendes has helped shape Cabo Verde’s football history. With 22 international goals, he stands as our national team’s all-time leading scorer. His contribution includes creating chances for teammates: Opta records five assists in the matches it covers, although that is an incomplete record rather than a verified career total. (anacao.cv⁠, rsssf.org⁠, national-football-teams.com⁠, theanalyst.com⁠)

His impact began long before the World Cup spotlight. Ryan scored three goals against Madagascar during qualification for AFCON 2013, helping Cabo Verde reach its first tournament. He then played all four matches as the Blue Sharks reached the quarterfinals. In September 2014, he scored the winner in a 2–1 victory over Zambia during the next successful AFCON qualifying campaign. (en.wikipedia.org⁠)

The decisive moments kept coming: the winner against Libya in 2015, the only goal against Liberia in October 2021, and the winner away to Eswatini in March 2023. At AFCON 2023, played in 2024, he scored against Mozambique before converting the late penalty against Mauritania that sent Cabo Verde into the quarterfinals. Later that year, he scored both goals in another 2–0 victory over Mauritania. (en.wikipedia.org⁠, national-football-teams.com⁠, cafonline.com⁠)

His creativity continued on the biggest stage, with an assist at the 2026 World Cup. Across generations, Ryan has provided goals, attacking experience and leadership—and repeatedly accepted responsibility in important moments. (theanalyst.com⁠)

For longevity and impact, Ryan belongs firmly in our conversation about Cabo Verde’s greatest international players. Our record scorer deserves more recognition for everything he has contributed—not just his latest performance.

10/11/2026

Vozinha — One of Cabo Verde’s Top Five Most Impactful Footballers 🇨🇻🧤

When it comes to longevity, commitment and impact on Cabo Verde’s national team, Vozinha belongs among the very best. Alongside the players we’ve celebrated in this series, he earns a place in our top five—a tribute to his years of service and his role in some of our greatest football moments.

Born in Mindelo, São Vicente, on June 3, 1986, Josimar José Évora Dias built his career from football at home to clubs across Africa, Europe and South America. His journey includes Batuque, Mindelense, Progresso do Sambizanga, Zimbru, Gil Vicente, AEL Limassol, AS Trenčín, Chaves and now Colo-Colo. (en.wikipedia.org⁠)

His international story began on September 8, 2012, with a clean sheet in Cabo Verde’s historic 2–0 victory over Cameroon. He helped finish that qualifying campaign by securing our first-ever AFCON appearance. Since then, he has represented the country at four AFCON tournaments—2013, 2015, 2021 and 2023—including two quarterfinal runs—and at our first World Cup in 2026. More than 90 international appearances make him one of the country’s most experienced players. (en.wikipedia.org⁠, en.wikipedia.org⁠, rsssf.org⁠)

At 40 years old, he delivered on the World Cup stage: seven saves and a clean sheet against Spain, earning Player of the Match, followed by another clean sheet against Saudi Arabia. His performances helped Cabo Verde reach the knockout stage and brought worldwide attention to our national team. (foxsports.com⁠, apnews.com⁠, reuters.com⁠)

His achievements and recognition include:

• Three-time Best Goalkeeper of Cabo Verde’s National Championship, as reported by RTC.
• 2015 Cabo Verde national champion with Mindelense.
• 2018–19 Cypriot Cup winner with AEL Limassol.
• 2025 CAF Goalkeeper of the Year nominee.
• 2026 FIFA World Cup fan-voted Dream XI selection.
• 2026 Yashin Trophy nominee for the best men’s goalkeeper at the Ballon d’Or awards. (rtc.cv⁠, en.wikipedia.org⁠, ca.sports.yahoo.com⁠, reuters.com⁠, efe.com⁠)

From helping us reach our first AFCON to standing tall at our first World Cup, Vozinha has been there through generations of Cabo Verdean football. His legacy is built on persistence, important saves and years of representing his country with pride. One of our greatest—and deserving of his place among our top five.

10/11/2026

Fernando Varela — A Key Figure for Cabo Verde 🇨🇻

Born in Cascais, Portugal, on November 26, 1987, Fernando Varela made his Cabo Verde debut against Luxembourg on May 27, 2008. The centre back represented the country until 2019, becoming an important part of the generation that helped establish the Blue Sharks on Africa’s biggest stage. (national-football-teams.com⁠, opais.cv⁠)

His most unforgettable contribution came against Angola on January 27, 2013. With Cabo Verde trailing 1–0, Varela scored the 81st-minute equalizer, setting up Héldon’s stoppage-time winner. That comeback secured the country’s first AFCON victory and a historic place in the quarterfinals on its tournament debut. (rsssf.org⁠, rte.ie⁠)

Varela played every minute of Cabo Verde’s four matches at AFCON 2013 and also represented the team at AFCON 2015. His defensive presence provided continuity during a defining period for the national team. His retirement was reported with 52 appearances and three goals, scored against Mali, Madagascar and Angola. (fbref.com⁠, opais.cv⁠)

His impact extended beyond match results. When he retired, the Cabo Verde Football Federation praised his professionalism, dedication and example for younger players. Fernando Varela deserves recognition as a defender who helped build the team’s reputation—and delivered a crucial goal when history was on the line. (opais.cv⁠)

10/10/2026

🇨🇻⚽ KEVIN PINA’S TEAM SUFFERS ITS FIRST DEFEAT!

FC Krasnodar suffered their first league defeat of the season, falling 3–2 to Zenit in a closely contested matchup.

Cabo Verde international Kevin Pina did not feature in today’s game, as Krasnodar’s unbeaten run came to an end.

Could Kevin Pina’s presence in midfield have made a difference?

10/10/2026

🇨🇻⚽ GARRY RODRIGUES SCORES IN STOPPAGE TIME!

Cabo Verde international Garry Rodrigues found the back of the net in the 90+4th minute, helping Apollon Limassol secure an impressive 3–1 away victory over Krasava ENY Ypsonas in the Cyprus League!

Another great moment for the veteran forward as he continues to represent Cabo Verde proudly at club level! 🇨🇻🔥

10/10/2026

🇨🇻 Congratulations, Ailton Fortes! The Falcões do Norte midfielder is among the 14 young talents selected to represent Cabo Verde’s Sub-15 national team. A proud moment for his family, club, and São Vicente! Keep working hard, play with courage, and enjoy this journey—we’re rooting for you! 💙

10/10/2026

Garry Rodrigues — A Key Figure for Cabo Verde 🇨🇻

Born in Rotterdam on November 27, 1990, Garry Mendes Rodrigues began representing Cabo Verde on August 14, 2013, making his debut against Gabon. With more than 60 international appearances and 10 goals, the winger has brought pace, experience and decisive contributions to the Blue Sharks for over a decade. (en.wikipedia.org⁠, en.wikipedia.org⁠, rsssf.org⁠)

His biggest moments include scoring both goals in the 2–1 away victory over South Africa in September 2017 and delivering the winner against Liberia in a 2–1 World Cup qualifying victory in October 2021. Garry has repeatedly stepped up in close games when Cabo Verde needed a breakthrough. (national-football-teams.com⁠)

At AFCON 2021, played in 2022, he assisted Júlio Tavares’ winning goal against Ethiopia and scored a brilliant backheel equalizer against Cameroon, helping Cabo Verde reach the round of 16. At AFCON 2023, played in 2024, his 92nd-minute winner against Ghana secured a memorable 2–1 victory as the team began its journey to the quarterfinals. (en.wikipedia.org⁠, skysports.com⁠, cafonline.com⁠, reuters.com⁠)

Having represented Cabo Verde at three AFCON tournaments—2015, 2021 and 2023—Garry deserves recognition as one of the national team’s most impactful attacking players. His legacy includes match-winning goals, important assists and years of commitment to the country. (en.wikipedia.org⁠)

10/10/2026

🇨🇻⚽ SATURDAY MATCHUPS WITH CABO VERDE PLAYERS!

A busy Saturday for our Cabo Verdean stars across the globe! 🌍

🔥 Nuno da Costa’s Antalyaspor wins 1–0!

🔥 Sidny Lopes Cabral & Wagner Pina’s Trabzonspor wins 3–0!

Still to come: Kevin Pina, Jamiro Monteiro, Márcio Rosa, Steven Moreira, CJ dos Santos and more in action with their clubs!

💪🏽 Which Cabo Verdean player are you watching today?

10/10/2026

🇨🇻 BABANCO — A KEY FIGURE IN CABO VERDE’S FOOTBALL HISTORY

Born in Praia on July 27, 1985, Elvis Manuel Monteiro Macedo—known as Babanco—began his career with Sporting Praia before playing professionally in Portugal and Cyprus.

He debuted for Cabo Verde on September 9, 2007, in a 4–0 victory over Guinea. Between 2007 and 2019, he made 62 international appearances, including non-FIFA matches, and scored five goals. He once held the national team’s appearance record—a reflection of his years of service.

Babanco represented Cabo Verde at our first AFCON in 2013, helping the Blue Sharks reach the quarterfinals, and returned for AFCON 2015. Among his memorable contributions was the only goal in a 1–0 World Cup qualifying victory over Tanzania in 2008.

His impact extended beyond scoring: years of midfield service helped build the generation that established Cabo Verde on Africa’s biggest stage. A veteran whose contribution deserves lasting recognition. 👏🇨🇻

Cabo Verde. We Believe.

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