Jovane Cabral joins Grêmio after World Cup campaign

Jovane Cabral signs for Grêmio

Your winger is heading to Brazil. Grêmio have completed the signing of Jovane Cabral on a one-and-a-half-year deal (1). The 28-year-old attacking midfielder represented Cape Verde at the 2026 World Cup, where his performances clearly caught the eye of the Porto Alegre club. Grêmio are competing in the Copa Sudamericana this season, and Cabral gives them a versatile option across the front line.

Semedo: 'Everyone wants to beat Cape Verde now'

Mário Semedo, president of the Cape Verdean Football Federation, has been reflecting on the World Cup campaign, and his message is clear: Cape Verde earned respect. "Todos agora querem também bater Cabo Verde," Semedo said, which means everyone now wants to beat Cape Verde too (2). That is the shift. Your team pushed Argentina to extra time in the round of 32, and the world noticed. Semedo's point is that the tournament changed how opponents view Cape Verde, from an under-the-radar side to a target.

Fan reactions

Reddit is buzzing with the Cabral news. Grêmio fans in the thread seem optimistic about the signing, noting his World Cup experience and the attacking flexibility he brings. Cape Verde supporters are proud to see another player land at a historic South American club. Read the full discussion here.