Rui Costa’s blueprint: How Cape Verde are building a football revolution

Cape Verde’s emergence as one of Africa’s fastest-growing football nations is no accident. Behind the recent milestones achieved by the island nation is a carefully designed project built on talent development, diaspora scouting and long-term planning.

After the men’s national team made history by qualifying for their first FIFA World Cup, the women’s side continued the country’s remarkable football journey by making their debut at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

Their opening match in Morocco did not produce the dream start they wanted, with Cape Verde suffering a 2-0 defeat against Ghana, but the appearance itself represented another landmark moment for a country steadily pushing beyond its traditional limits.

At the centre of this transformation is Rui Costa, the national technical director of the Cape Verde Football Federation, whose work extends far beyond the touchline.

The man behind Cape Verde’s football transformation

Costa’s responsibilities cover almost every aspect of football development in the country, from coaching education and youth structures to women’s football and long-term technical planning.

“My role covers coach education, talent development, youth football, women’s football, and the implementation of long-term technical projects in close collaboration with FIFA, CAF, and other international partners,” he explained.

His mission is to create a clear pathway that connects grassroots football to the highest level.

“Ensuring that our player development pathway is aligned with a clear football philosophy and a sustainable vision for the future,” he added.

For Costa, leading Cape Verde’s football project is more than a professional assignment. It represents a personal return to his roots after years spent developing his coaching career abroad.

An English education shaping a Cape Verdean dream

Costa spent several years in England, where he gained valuable experience and developed his coaching philosophy.

“I spent many years in England, where I built my entire coaching career. England gave me the opportunity to become the coach and person I am today. Every morning, I genuinely say, ‘Thank you, England.’”

His time in English football helped shape his approach, particularly through futsal, which he believes has influenced his tactical understanding and attention to detail.

“It demands attention to detail, tactical understanding, and methodology — qualities that have made me a better football coach.”

Now back home, Costa sees his role as a way of giving back to the country that shaped his identity.

“I’m incredibly proud of my heritage. My parents are from Cape Verde, my wife is Cape Verdean, I hold Cape Verdean nationality, and so do my children. Representing the country isn’t simply a job for me — it’s deeply personal.”

The diaspora strategy powering Cape Verde’s rise

One of Cape Verde’s biggest strengths has been its ability to connect with players of Cape Verdean descent around the world.

The federation has actively searched for talent across Europe and beyond, bringing players with international experience into the national setup.

“We identified talented players with Cape Verdean heritage playing across Portugal, England, Spain, Poland, Australia and other countries. We worked hard to establish relationships with them, explain our vision, and integrate them into the national team.”

However, Costa insists the progress is not built solely on overseas talent. The domestic system is also producing players capable of competing internationally.

“Around half of our squad began their football journey in Cape Verde before progressing to clubs abroad, including FC Porto, Benfica, Braga, Vitória de Guimarães and, more recently, Beşiktaş.”

That balance between local development and global scouting has become a key part of Cape Verde’s football identity.

Building a future for women’s football

The federation’s ambitions extend beyond immediate results. Costa believes the women’s game can become a major force in Cape Verde’s sporting development.

“We’re implementing an ambitious four-year technical development strategy for women’s and youth football.”

The plan focuses on improving domestic competitions, raising coaching standards and creating more opportunities for young girls to enter the sport.

“More importantly, we’re developing a comprehensive strategic plan for women’s football that will strengthen domestic competitions, improve coaching standards, increase participation and create better opportunities for young girls across the country.”

For Costa, football’s impact goes beyond producing professional players.

“Not every girl will become a professional footballer, but every girl will grow into a leader within her family and community — whether as a mother, an aunt, a teacher or in another important role.”

Creating stronger clubs for a stronger nation

A major part of Cape Verde’s long-term vision is improving the domestic football structure through a stronger club system.

Costa believes implementing a Club Licensing System will be crucial to raising standards and preparing clubs to compete at continental level.

“This is a major long-term project involving the Football Federation, the Government, FIFA and CAF.”

The initiative will focus on governance, infrastructure, youth development, administration, finance and sporting standards.

“By strengthening clubs, we strengthen the entire football ecosystem. Stronger clubs create better players, better coaches and ultimately stronger national teams.”

Cape Verde’s football story is still being written, but the foundations are firmly in place. For Costa, the goal is not short-term success but creating a legacy that can benefit future generations.

“We’re building sustainable foundations rather than looking for quick successes, and we’re confident that the work we’re doing today will produce lasting results for generations to come.”