Ryan Mendes (C)
Igdir FK · FWRW #20 · Cabo Verde · Group H 71Rating94Caps22Goals36Age180Height
RM 
20 C
71FW
20 C Ryan Mendes
22GLS2AST5CG–APP94CAP36AGE
Club season 2025/26 TFF First League (1. Lig)
1,871
Minutes
5
Goals
2
Assists
3
Yellow
1
Red
International
94
Caps
22
Goals
Form
Captain; all-time record holder for caps (94) and goals (22)
Date of birth1990-01-08 (age 36) NationalityCabo Verde ClubIgdir FK · Turkey LeagueTFF First League PositionFW · Right wing · #20 Height180 cm Preferred footLeft Market value—
Born in Praia, Gilson Benchimol Tavares developed in Portugal at Estoril and Benfica's B team before joining Russian club Akron Tolyatti in 2024. A striker with a sharp finish, he announced himself internationally with a hat-trick against Liechtenstein in 2022. With six Russian Premier League goals in 2025-26, he is among the squad's most reliable attacking options for Cape Verde's first World Cup.
- Scored a hat-trick against Liechtenstein in 2022
- Scored six Russian Premier League goals in 2025-26
Sources