Pico Lopes Shines for Ireland and Cape Verde | Belfast News

Dublin threw a hometown hero’s welcome for Pico Lopes, the first active League of Ireland player to grace a World Cup in over two decades, as he led Cape Verde to historic knockout glory against giants like Spain and Argentina. Celebrated at his first club, Lourdes Celtic, by Dublin’s Lord Mayor, Lopes embodies the spirit of a true Dubliner who rose from local roots to global acclaim. Now back captaining Shamrock Rovers in high-stakes matches, he’s soaking in the whirlwind of adoration — even while grocery shopping. At 34, he never imagined this moment, but his message to young dreamers remains clear: believe in yourself, work hard, and your dreams can become reality. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/c824f54bdda7fcde