As the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations approaches and numerous Ligue 1 players gear up to proudly represent their nations in Côte d’Ivoire, we dive into a series highlighting the legends of the game from various participating countries. In today’s edition, our focus is on the footballing heroes of Cape Verde.
Julio Tavarès: Dijon FCO 2012–2020
The veteran striker spent most of his career with Dijon FCO while the club was in Ligue 1 and Ligue 2. During Dijon’s time in France’s top flight, Tavarès made 120 appearances, scoring 31 goals and registering 12 assists. In 2020, Tavarès left the French side and joined Al-Faisaly in Saudi Arabia. He would win the King Cup in 2021 with Al-Faisaly, marking his first major trophy.
Ryan Mendes: Le Havre 2008–2012, Lille OSC 2012–2017
Mendes spent time with Le Havre while the club was in Ligue 2 before moving to Lille and making 54 appearances for Les Dogues while scoring seven goals and registering five assists in league play.
Steven Moreira: Stade Rennais 2013–2016, FC Lorient 2016-2018,
Toulouse 2018-2021
The 29-year-old spent nearly a decade in Ligue 1 with Rennes, Lorient, and Toulouse. During his career, Moreira made 113 appearances in France’s top flight, registering five assists. In 2021, Moreira left France for the Columbus Crew in the United States. The defender has won two trophies since moving to North America, winning the 2021 Campeones Cup and the 2023 MLS Cup.
Logan Costa: Toulouse 2021-
Costa is Cape Verde’s next promising talent. The 22-year-old defender has made 23 Ligue 1 appearances in his career for Toulouse, registering one assist. The youngster was also part of the squad for Les Violets as they won the 2023 Coupe de France.
Odaïr Fortes: Stade de Reims 2008–2017
Fortes spent almost a decade with Reims, playing with the French side in Ligue 1 and Ligue 2. The defender made 107 Ligue 1 appearances for the Champagne side, scoring eight goals and recording 11 assists.
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