Stopira bids farewell to Cape Verde national team after 18 years and 63 caps. The 37-year-old defender announced his international retirement on Tuesday, 13 October 2026, exactly one year after scoring the decisive goal in Cape Verde's 3-0 victory over Eswatini that secured the nation's first-ever qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
He made his debut in June 2008 against Mauritius and was part of the squad called up by Bubista for the 2026 World Cup, although he did not play in the tournament. His last appearance for the national team came against Bermuda before the competition.
Stopira received tributes from teammates including Sidny Lopes Cabral, Jovane Cabral, Yannick Semedo, Hélio Varela, Jamiro Monteiro and Dailon Livramento. In a social media farewell message, he reflected on his journey with pride after nearly two decades wearing the national shirt.
Goalkeeper Vozinha of Colo-Colo praised the defender: "It's a great pleasure. A tremendous example of a human being and a professional. Thank you for everything". Stopira himself said: "Today marks one year since one of the happiest days of my life: Cape Verde's qualification for the World Cup.".
Torreense, the Portuguese club where Stopira serves as captain, also issued a statement thanking and congratulating him on his career.
Cape Verde returns to action on 11 November 2026 when they host Liberia in the African qualifiers for the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
Background and full detail: Terra
Stopira confirmed his international retirement in a social media post on October 14, 2026. The 38-year-old defender wrote: "I leave the national team, but Cape Verde will never leave me". The national team's next fixture is at home against Liberia on November 11.
