SOCCER: Cape Verde's Lopes given surprise World Cup send-off in Ireland

Irish-born defender Roberto “Pico” Lopes received a surprise farewell party in his hometown of Crumlin, Dublin, as he prepares to join Cape Verde’s squad for their historic first World Cup appearance. The 33-year-old Shamrock Rovers player, who nearly missed his international career after initially overlooking a recruitment message, will now represent the African nation on football’s biggest stage.

Trevor Stynes / Reuters

May 18, 2026

Shamrock Rovers’ Roberto Lopes applauds fans after the UEFA Conference League match against Sparta Prague at epet ARENA in Prague, Czech Republic, on October 2, 2025.

Eva Korinkova/File Photo/Reuters

Cape Verde’s Irish-born defender Roberto Lopes was given a surprise farewell celebration in his native Crumlin in Dublin on Sunday, ahead of what is expected to be his inclusion in Cape Verde’s squad for their first-ever FIFA World Cup appearance.

Lopes believed he was heading to his parents’ home for a quiet Sunday lunch, but instead arrived to find neighbors, friends, and family gathered to honor his journey, with a send-off organized in recognition of his international breakthrough.

“When I saw all the flags I might have suspected this could be a party rather than a feast,” Lopes told Irish broadcaster RTÉ.

The 33-year-old defender, who plays for League of Ireland side Shamrock Rovers, qualifies to represent Cape Verde through his father, Carlos Lopes. His path to international football nearly never materialized after he initially ignored a LinkedIn message in 2018, believing it was spam.

However, after a follow-up message was translated, he joined the national setup and made his debut in 2019. Since then, he has become a key figure for Cape Verde national football team, playing a major role in their run to the Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinals in 2024 and starting nine of their 10 World Cup qualifying matches.

His journey has also been noted by Irish football fans, as Ireland national football team missed out on qualification for the tournament following a playoff defeat to the Czech Republic.

“Huge achievement for Pico and his family, and for the nation really,” said neighbor Sheena Heavey. “He’s the only Irish person to play in the World Cup for a long, long time.”

Cape Verde will begin their World Cup campaign against European champions Spain national football team on June 15, followed by Group H matches against Uruguay national football team and Saudi Arabia national football team. -Reporting by Trevor StynesEditing by Toby Davis/Reuters