Intersport Elvery's Brand Ambassador Pico Lopes represents Cape Verde on the World Cup Stage
From Crumlin to the World Cup Knockouts: The Incredible Journey of Our Brand Ambassador, Roberto ‘Pico’ Lopes
Here at Intersport Elverys, we choose our brand ambassadors not just for their talent, but for their grit, their story, and their relentless drive. And right now, there is no bigger story in world football than our very own Roberto 'Pico' Lopes.
If you had told a 25-year-old Pico, who was then balancing a job at a bank with playing in the League of Ireland, that he would one day be preparing to mark Lionel Messi in the knockout stages of a FIFA World Cup, he probably would have laughed.
Yet, here we are in the summer of 2026, and the Shamrock Rovers captain is living a literal football fairy-tale, as he looks forward to taking on Argentina on the World's Biggest Football Stage.
The LinkedIn DM That Changed Everything
Pico’s international journey is already the stuff of football folklore. Born and raised in Dublin, he qualified to play for Cape Verde through his father, Carlos. In 2018, he received a direct message on LinkedIn from the Cape Verde team management asking if he’d consider representing the Blue Sharks. Thinking it was spam, he ignored it for months. Fast forward to today: that once-ignored message has led to multiple Africa Cup of Nations appearances and now, a historic, breath-taking run at the 2026 World Cup.
Giant-Killers on the World Stage
Cape Verde entered the tournament as massive underdogs, but Pico and his teammates have completely captivated the footballing world. After drawing with reigning European champions Spain and putting on masterclasses against Uruguay and Saudi Arabia, the tiny island nation finished as runners-up in Group H. A massive achievement which has captured the whole world!
They have officially become the smallest nation to ever progress to the World Cup knockout rounds.
Watching Pico proudly hoist the Irish tricolour on the pitch in Houston after securing qualification was a moment that gave everyone back home chills. He is Ireland’s sole representative on the pitch at this World Cup, and he is doing the entire country—and the League of Ireland—immensely proud.
Engineered for the Highest Level: The Nike Tiempo
To compete against the sharpest attackers on the planet, you need gear that never lets you down. Pico’s legendary discipline is well-documented—but his choice of footwear is just as precise. When it comes to the ultimate blend of touch, control, and comfort, Pico trusts the Nike Tiempo.
Before he packed his bags for the tournament, we hosted Pico at a special Intersport Elverys launch event to showcase the latest Nike Tiempo lineup. Check out some of our favourite moments from the day below—from Pico meeting young fans to giving us an inside look at why these boots are essential for his game.
From the grass pitches of the League of Ireland to the pristine stadiums of the World Cup, Pico relies on Intersport Elverys to keep him geared up in the best Nike innovation. Gear Up like Pico here: Nike Football Boots
The Ultimate Test Awaits
This Friday, Pico and Cape Verde face the ultimate test: a Round of 32 showdown against the defending World Cup champions, Argentina. The "Rock of Crumlin" will be standing toe-to-toe with Lionel Messi.
No matter what happens on Friday in Miami, Pico has already proven that it is never too late to chase a dream. He didn't make his international debut until he was 28, and now, at 34, he is a World Cup icon.
Everyone at Intersport Elverys wishes Pico and the Blue Sharks the absolute best of luck. We’ll be watching—will you?
