Richest Footballers In Cape Verde: Top 5

Cape Verde, though a small island nation, has produced several talented footballers who have made significant strides on the international stage. The wealth of these players, like in many countries, is often tied to their success on the pitch, particularly in European leagues where lucrative contracts are common. Here’s a look at the top five richest footballers from Cape Verde as of 2024.

1. Ryan Mendes

Ryan Mendes, born on January 8, 1990, has had a notable career that has significantly contributed to his wealth. Mendes began his professional journey with Le Havre in France before moving to the higher-profile Lille OSC. His performance in the French Ligue 1 opened doors to other European leagues, and he later moved to the UAE, where he played for Al-Nasr. Mendes’ consistent performance, especially in the UAE Pro League, has seen him secure lucrative contracts, making him one of the wealthiest footballers from Cape Verde. His net worth is bolstered not just by his salaries but also by endorsements and investments in real estate.

2. Zé Luís

José Luís Mendes Andrade, commonly known as Zé Luís, is another prominent figure among Cape Verdean footballers. Born on January 24, 1991, Zé Luís has enjoyed a successful career across several European clubs. After making his mark in Portugal with clubs like Braga and Porto, Zé Luís moved to Russia, where he played for Spartak Moscow and Lokomotiv Moscow. His time in Russia, combined with his stints in Portugal, significantly increased his earnings. Zé Luís is known for his powerful playing style as a striker, and his consistent goal-scoring ability has ensured that he remains a valuable asset to his teams, translating to a healthy bank account.

3. Héldon Ramos

Héldon Ramos, born on November 14, 1988, has had a long and fruitful career, mainly playing in Portugal before moving to the Middle East. Known for his versatility as an attacking midfielder, Héldon has played for clubs like Marítimo, Sporting CP, and Vitória de Guimarães. His move to the Middle East saw him earn significantly more, with contracts from clubs in Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Currently playing for Al-Orobah FC, Héldon’s earnings are a mix of his salaries from various clubs over the years and endorsements, making him one of Cape Verde’s wealthiest footballers.

4. Júlio Tavares

Júlio Tavares, born on November 19, 1988, is a striker who has made a name for himself both in Europe and the Middle East. Starting his career in France with Dijon, where he spent eight years and became one of the club’s top scorers, Tavares later moved to Saudi Arabia to play for Al-Faisaly and then Al-Raed. His success in Saudi Arabia, where footballers often command high salaries, has significantly boosted his net worth. Tavares is also a regular member of the Cape Verde national team, adding to his profile and earnings through international duty.

5. Babanco

Elvis Manuel Monteiro Macedo, known as Babanco, rounds out the top five. Born on July 27, 1985, Babanco’s career has spanned several clubs in Portugal, where he played in the Primeira Liga with teams like Olhanense, Estoril, and Feirense. His long tenure in the Portuguese league, coupled with his leadership role in the Cape Verde national team, has contributed to his financial success. Although retired from international football, Babanco remains active at the club level and has invested wisely in his post-football career, ensuring a stable financial future.

These footballers have not only brought pride to Cape Verde on the international stage but have also accumulated significant wealth through their careers. Their journeys highlight the growing influence of Cape Verdean talent in global football, especially in Europe and the Middle East, where football is not just a sport but a lucrative industry.