Ryan Mendes brings vast experience to RS Berkane after free transfer

Cape Verde winger Ryan Mendes has joined Moroccan club RS Berkane from Turkey’s Igdir FK on a free transfer, adding an experienced attacking option to the Botola Pro Inwi side.

Mendes, 36, plays primarily on the left wing and is also eligible to represent France. The right-footed attacker arrives after one season with Igdir FK, having moved to the 1.Lig club from Kocaelispor in September 2025 for €200,000.

The move to RS Berkane follows a campaign in which Mendes helped Kocaelispor win the Turkish second tier title in 2024-25. He previously spent time in Turkey with Karagumruk and Kayserispor, and also played in the United Arab Emirates for Al-Nasr and Sharjah FC.

Mendes has recorded 112 appearances, 35 goals and 35 assists in the UAE Pro League, the highest total of appearances in any league competition during his career. He also made 83 Ligue 2 appearances in France, scoring 19 goals, while his top-flight experience includes spells in Ligue 1 and the Turkish Super Lig.

His career began with Le Havre, where he progressed from the club’s reserve side to the senior team before earning a move to Lille in 2012. Mendes later spent time on loan at Nottingham Forest before leaving Lille for Kayserispor on a free transfer in January 2017.

The winger has also remained involved on the international stage with Cape Verde. At the 2026 World Cup, he started all four of the country’s possible matches, played 85% of the available minutes and provided one assist.

Mendes brings a record of domestic success to Berkane, having won the UAE league and UAE Super Cup with Sharjah, as well as the Turkish second tier with Kocaelispor. His highest recorded market value was €3.5m, reached during his time at Lille.

The free transfer gives RS Berkane an established wide player with experience across France, England, Turkey and the UAE. Mendes’ agreement with the Moroccan club runs until 30 June 2027.