Ayoni Santos says Cape Verde call-up close as passport secured

Ayoni Santos says he is edging closer to a first senior call-up for Cape Verde national football team after confirming he has applied for a passport and is under close observation ahead of March’s friendlies.

The 20-year-old midfielder, who plays for Sparta Rotterdam, revealed in an interview with ESPN that his involvement in upcoming matches against Chile and Finland is now a realistic possibility.

Santos began the campaign on the fringes of the squad but has since established himself as a regular starter.

That rapid development has strengthened his case for international recognition, with the player acknowledging the opportunity that may lie ahead. “I could be called up ,” he says.

The right-footed midfielder has already been in contact with Cape Verde head coach Pedro Leitão Brito, who is monitoring his progress.

Santos was included in the country’s World Cup qualifying squad this summer, an experience he describes in glowing terms.

“It was an absolutely fantastic experience. My brother also plays there, so of course I was cheering him on.”

His brother, Jamiro Monteiro, is a midfielder at PEC Zwolle and has earned 52 caps for Cape Verde. The prospect of the two lining up together on the international stage adds further significance to Santos’ potential selection.

With Cape Verde preparing for the World Cup finals in Canada, the United States and Mexico this summer, the coming months could prove decisive for the young midfielder’s international ambitions.

“In football, anything is possible, I’m waiting to be called up. But I’m being watched closely ,” Santos said.