Roberto Lopes, a defender for Cape Verde, credits a random LinkedIn message with launching his international football career. The 33-year-old, born in Ireland to a Cape Verdean mother, was playing for Shamrock Rovers when he received a direct message from a Cape Verdean football scout in 2019. That connection led to his debut for the national team, and now he is preparing for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after Cape Verde secured qualification with a 2-0 aggregate win over Eswatini in October 2025.
From LinkedIn to the World Cup
Lopes, who had previously played for the Republic of Ireland at youth level, never expected a social media platform for professionals to change his sporting destiny. “I got a message on LinkedIn from someone saying they were a scout for Cape Verde and asking if I’d be interested,” Lopes told Reuters. “I thought it was a joke at first, but it turned out to be genuine.” After a few conversations, he was invited to join the squad for a friendly match, and he has been a regular ever since.
Historic Achievement for Cape Verde
Cape Verde, an island nation off the coast of West Africa, will make its second World Cup appearance in 2026, having previously qualified for the 2022 tournament in Qatar. The team’s success has sparked celebrations across the archipelago, with fans flooding the streets of Praia after the final whistle. Lopes, who now plays for a club in Portugal, said the achievement is a dream come true. “To represent my heritage and help Cape Verde reach the World Cup is something I will never forget,” he added.
A Unique Journey
Lopes’s path to international football is unusual, but it highlights the growing role of social media in scouting. While many players are discovered through traditional networks, LinkedIn provided an unexpected gateway for Lopes. “I never thought a professional networking site would lead to a World Cup,” he said. “But here we are.” Cape Verde will face tough competition in the 2026 tournament, but Lopes remains optimistic. “We have a strong team spirit, and we believe we can compete with anyone,” he concluded.
