Pico Lopes: From LinkedIn to the World Cup | Footballers Unfiltered | Season 3 Episode 1

Roberto “Pico” Lopes joins host Jackson Irvine to discuss Cape Verde’s historic first appearance at the FIFA World Cup, the LinkedIn message that kickstarted his international career, and what it means to represent his country on the biggest stage. In Episode 1 of Footballers Unfiltered Season 3, Cape Verde defender and Shamrock Rovers captain Pico Lopes opens up about one of football’s most unexpected international call-up stories: ignoring a message from the Cape Verde manager for nine months before replying - and making his debut just three weeks later. Ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Pico reflects on Cape Verde’s qualification journey, the emotion of a whole country coming together, the draw against Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia, and the reality of preparing to face some of the world’s best players, including Lamine Yamal and Federico Valverde. Jackson and Pico also discuss player voice, union work, fan access, ticket prices, World Cup prize money, and why football should remain a game for everybody, not just the elites. Subscribe to FIFPRO for more honest conversations with players heading to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.