Rotterdam Celebrates Cape Verde’s World Cup Journey
Rotterdam has become a vibrant testament to the resilience and spirit of the Cape Verdean community, thanks to six players from the islands who have captured the world’s attention in this year’s World Cup. These athletes, born roughly 5,000 kilometers from their parents’ homeland, faced defending champions Argentina in a thrilling match, ultimately succumbing to a narrow 3-2 loss.
Following Cape Verde’s progression to the knockout stage with a hard-fought draw against Saudi Arabia, the streets of Rotterdam erupted into celebration. Honking cars filled the roads, flags adorned windows, and residents took to dancing with joyous abandon, showcasing the city’s deep-rooted connection to the Cape Verdean diaspora. Locals have affectionately dubbed Rotterdam Cape Verde’s 10th island, and this sentiment was palpable as fans from Curaçao and Morocco joined in the revelry.
A Flourishing Cape Verdean Community
With a population of approximately 25,000 Kriol—what Cape Verdeans refer to themselves—Rotterdam nurtures a vibrant community. Among its members is Jeffrey Fortes, a 37-year-old right-back playing for the second-division club Den Bosch. A son of longshoremen, Fortes holds an impressive record of over 400 appearances in Dutch football’s second tier, earning him 26 caps for Cape Verde. However, in 2023, he faced an abrupt suspension due to a disagreement with the Football Federation board.
Despite his suspension, Fortes embraces his identity with pride. At Club Annabelle, where he joins 1,600 fellow Cape Verdeans celebrating their team’s achievements, he wore a blue shirt emblazoned with an image of Amilcar Cabral, the symbol of Cape Verde’s fight for independence from Portugal. He expressed the bittersweet nature of being sidelined, stating, “As a Cape Verdean, I’m prouder than ever. This is the biggest moment ever for us.”
Emotional Highs and Lows
The atmosphere at Club Annabelle intensified when Rotterdam-born Deroy Duarte equalized against Argentina. The celebration soared to new heights, accompanied by the colorful island beverages, Grogu and Ponche. Lisandro Martínez quickly reinstated Argentina’s lead, signaling the harsh reality of the uphill battle that Cape Verde faces on the world stage.
The energy reached a fever pitch when Sidney López Cabral, born in Rotterdam, curled a stunning shot past Argentina’s Emiliano Martinez, sending the crowd into raptures. In that moment, all frustrations melted away as fans rallied around their team. Even as the game progressed and frustration crept in with Argentina’s lead, Fortes and fellow fans remained filled with pride, applauding their heroes under the towering skyscrapers of Rotterdam.
The Rise of Cape Verdean Football
Fortes and his talented contemporaries were pioneers for Cape Verdean representation in football. Making his debut in 2014, Fortes has faced illustrious opponents, including Senegal’s Sadio Mane and Portugal’s young star Bernardo Silva. Over the past few years, Tony Barrera, a close associate of Fortes and a former coach, noted the incredible evolution of Cape Verdean football talent. He recalled the struggles of the past, when traveling for matches often required complicated logistics involving multiple flights.
The dramatic shift in talent, with players now regularly competing in European leagues, has changed the landscape for Cape Verdean football entirely. Barrera highlighted the operational improvements within the sport, now featuring professional training environments, including chefs and video analysts, transforming these athletes into formidable competitors.
Celebrating Cape Verde’s Heritage and Future
Coach Jerzy Rocha Livramento, known as Jerr and a prominent figure in Dutch hip-hop, emphasized the invaluable contributions of Fortes and Barrera to the team’s success. “They brought us to where we are today,” he acknowledged, given their sacrifices out of love for their homeland. The camaraderie and dedication displayed over the years have solidified their legendary status in the eyes of fans and players alike.
Fortes’ friend, Dairon Livramento, a striker who played a key role in qualifying Cape Verde for their first World Cup, reflected on the significance of this moment for their community. They are inspired by their parents who sought a brighter future back in the sixties, yet they remain acutely aware of the challenges that still face their homeland. Their aspirations extend beyond football; the hope is that this international exposure will lead to increased tourism, investment, and overall prosperity for Cape Verde.
As the night wore on, with hugs, tears, and fond memories, Fortes returned home at midnight, ready to prepare for a friendly match against a local amateur team just 12 hours away, embodying the relentless spirit of a community that refuses to be overlooked.
