Overview
Cape Verde is a member of the Confederation of African Football and plays in the West African Zone A (WAFU-A) zone. The men's national team, known as the Blue Sharks, has played 241 recorded internationals since 1959, winning 89 of them (36.9%).
Cape Verde have played at 4 AFCON finals without winning the title.
They have played at the FIFA World Cup once (2026).
On current form our Elo rating places Cape Verde 12th in Africa and 86th in the world.
With about 0.5 million people and its capital in Praia, Cape Verde has produced 208 notable footballers footballers in our database.
Famous Cape Verdean footballers
VozinhaCape Verde · Club Social y Deportivo Colo-Colo
Ryan MendesCape Verde · b. 1990
Garry Mendes RodriguesCape Verde · b. 1990
Jamiro MonteiroCape Verde · b. 1993
BubistaCape Verde · b. 1970
Zé LuísCape Verde · b. 1991
StopiraCape Verde · b. 1988
Fernando VarelaCape Verde · b. 1987
Djaniny TavaresCape Verde · Cruz Azul
ValdoCape Verde · b. 1981
Julio TavaresCape Verde · Al-Faisaly FC
Héldon RamosCape Verde · b. 1988
Most capped
Top scorers (match database)
- Garry Rodrigues
- Arlindo Gomes Semedo
- Héldon Ramos
- Dailon Livramento
- Jamiro Monteiro
- Ryan Mendes
- Carlos Morais Caló
- Eduardo Fernando Gomes
Where Cape Verdean players play
25 active Cape Verdean players are currently at clubs outside Cape Verde. The most common destinations:
Cape Verdean players abroad → · Latest Cape Verdean transfers →
Clubs and leagues in Cape Verde
Main competitions: Campeonato Nacional de Cabo Verde, Santiago Island League, Sal Island League.
- Sporting Clube da Praiafounded 1923
- Batuque FCfounded 1981
- CS Mindelensefounded 1919
- Boavista FCfounded 1939
- Sport Club Santa Mariafounded 1937
- AD Bairrofounded 1975
- CD Barcelona Tarrafalfounded 1995
- Académica da Praiafounded 1962
- Académica do Mindelofounded 1940
- Botafogofounded 1968
Where Cape Verdean footballers are born
42 Cape Verde internationals were born abroad, most often in Portugal (30), Netherlands (7), France (3). See the diaspora →
Stadiums
- Estádio da VárzeaPraia
- Estádio Municipal Adérito SenaMindelo
- Estadio Municipal Arsénio RamosSal Rei
- Estádio Monte Pe LargoSanta Catarina do Fogo
- Estádio Municipal do Porto NovoPorto Novo
- Estádio Marcelo LeitãoEspargos
Strength over time
Year-end Elo rating of Cape Verde. Elo history →
Frequently asked questions
What is the nickname of the Cape Verde national team?
Cape Verde are nicknamed the Blue Sharks.
How many times have Cape Verde won AFCON?
Cape Verde have won the Africa Cup of Nations 0 times.
Have Cape Verde played at the World Cup?
Yes, Cape Verde have played at 1 World Cup (2026).
Who is the top scorer for Cape Verde?
In our match database, Garry Rodrigues leads with 6 goals. Goal data is most complete for tournament matches.
Who is the most famous Cape Verdean footballer?
By international recognition, Vozinha is the best-known Cape Verdean footballer in our database, followed by Ryan Mendes and Garry Mendes Rodrigues.
What is the biggest stadium in Cape Verde?
Estádio da Várzea is the largest football stadium in Cape Verde in our records, with a capacity of 8,000.