Recruited on LinkedIn, set to face Spain - the Dublin-born Cape Verde star
Summary
Roberto Lopes, born in Dublin and once a bank worker, was invited through LinkedIn to play football for Cape Verde, his father's country. He now plays for Cape Verde’s national team and is expected to face Spain in the 2026 World Cup.Key Facts
- Roberto Lopes is 33 years old and originally from Dublin, Ireland.
- Lopes worked as a mortgage adviser and played football part-time before going full-time in 2017.
- In 2019, the Cape Verde national team coach contacted him via LinkedIn to join the team.
- Lopes accepted and has become a regular starter for Cape Verde, known as the Blue Sharks.
- Cape Verde qualified for the 2026 World Cup and will play against Spain, Saudi Arabia, and Uruguay.
- Lopes became a father shortly after Cape Verde qualified for the World Cup.
- Cape Verde's football team has risen from 182nd to 67th in the world rankings over recent years.
- Former Cape Verde player Anselmo Ribeiro recalled how hard it was to gain recognition and support in the past.
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