Simão Mendes

Simão Mendes (16 March 1950 – 27 March 2013), widely known by the nickname Papa di Socorro, was a Cape Verdean footballer and coach from the island of Fogo. He was recognised for his consistency as a forward during the 1970s and 1980s and later became an influential figure in the development of football on the island.

Early life Mendes was born in São Filipe, Fogo, where he grew up in a modest household. Before focusing fully on football, he worked at different times as a fisherman and as a janitor. In the early 1970s, he completed mandatory military service, first in Portugal and then in Angola between 1971 and 1973.

Playing career Mendes began competing with local teams in São Filipe, including Sporting (a local club), Juventude FC and later Vulcânicos FC.

Personal life Mendes was the grandfather of Cape Verdean-American professional footballer Geo Alves. According to a Burlington Free Press feature story, Mendes recruited a talented winger named Ildo Alves to his club and invited him to live in his home. It was there that Ildo met Mendes' daughter, Djalice, beginning the family line that later produced several footballers, including Geo Alves.

Death Simão Mendes died on 27 March 2013 at the regional hospital in São Filipe at the age of 63. He had been living with diabetes for many years, a condition that eventually led to the amputation of both legs shortly before his death. Despite his declining health, he continued to mentor young players and remained involved in local football until the final years of his life.