After a historic World Cup run with Cape Verde, Jovane Cabral is announced as a new signing for Grêmio

Just a few days after helping Cape Verde write the most memorable chapter in its soccer history, Jovane Cabral is embarking on a new career challenge. The Cape Verdean international has been confirmed as a new signing for Grêmio, one of the most traditional clubs in Brazilian soccer, after coach Luís Castro announced the signing at a press conference.

The transfer comes on the heels of the Blue Sharks’ historic run in the 2026 World Cup—Cape Verde’s first-ever World Cup appearance. Jovane was part of the squad that thrilled millions of Cape Verdeans around the world with a memorable campaign, marked by organization, courage, and competitive play against some of the world’s top national teams.

A starter in decisive matches, including the draw against Spain and the Round of 16 clash against Argentina, Jovane was among the players who represented Cape Verde with tremendous dedication and pride. The elimination at the hands of the reigning world champions did not overshadow the national team’s historic achievement, which earned international respect by pushing Argentina to the limit in one of the tournament’s most thrilling matches.

During the new signing’s presentation, Luís Castro specifically highlighted the experience the Cape Verdean gained at the World Cup.

“He’s a player who competed in the World Cup; he plays on the left and also in the middle. He’ll be joining a group that’s deeply committed to this season’s goals, and I believe he has the quality to be part of our roster,” said the Portuguese coach.

Jovane arrives at Grêmio as a free agent after ending his stint with Estrela da Amadora, a Portuguese club where he was one of the team’s key players. Prior to that, he built a career with stints at Sporting, Lazio, Salernitana, and Olympiacos, gaining experience in some of Europe’s top leagues.

Even before the World Cup, the forward had stated that playing in the tournament was a dream come true and promised to make the Cape Verdean people proud. He kept that promise. Alongside Vozinha, Stopira, Yannick Semedo, Dailon Rocha Livramento, Telmo Arcanjo, Jamiro Monteiro, and the rest of his teammates, Jovane helped turn the national team into one of the great stories of the 2026 World Cup.

Now, the Cape Verdean international brings that experience to Brazilian soccer, where he will seek to write another important chapter in his career while wearing the Grêmio jersey, carrying with him the prestige he earned by representing Cape Verde in his first World Cup.