Who is Kevin Lenini Pina? Meet Cape Verde’s historic goal scorer at the FIFA World Cup

× Cape Verde have broken another FIFA World Cup record, with Kevin Lenini Pina etching his name into the history books in grand style. The midfielder scored the nation's first-ever goal at a World Cup with a terrific free-kick. Ad Kevin Lenini Goncalves Pereira de Pina was born on 27 January 1997 in Praia, Cape Verde.

He came through the academy of the Cape Verdean side Tchadense before moving to Portugal, where he played for Oliveirense in 2018. The midfielder’s career took a big turn when he moved east to join Russian Premier League club Krasnodar. He has been handed silverware during his time there, winning the Russian Premier League title in the 2025 campaign, the first major trophy of his career.

Ad Trending The player has been slowly earning prestige with the Blue Sharks on the international stage. Pina was called up for FIFA World Cup qualifiers in September 2021 and made his Cape Verde debut against Liechtenstein in March 2022. He was a regular starter for Cape Verde at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, helping them reach the knockout stage.

And now, Pina has written the definitive chapter of an unforgettable Cape Verdean World Cup tale with his free kick against Uruguay. The Blue Sharks will be hoping it puts them a step closer to a place in the FIFA World Cup Round of 32. Ad Cape Verde's debut in the FIFA World Cup against Spain Cape Verde caused one of the biggest upsets in FIFA World Cup history in their first-ever appearance in the competition with their 0-0 draw with Spain.

After Iceland, who debuted in Russia 2018, they are the smallest nation to ever partake in the biggest competition in world football. The hero of the night was Vozinha, the veteran custodian, whose heroics frustrated the European superstars throughout the match. The 40-year-old was vital, denying Mikel Oyarzabal, Ferran Torres, Aymeric Laporte, Marc Cucurella and others.

Most of the match was spent in their defensive third, but the Blue Sharks held firm throughout the entire 90 minutes. Not even the introduction of Lamine Yamal or Nico Williams could break down the resistance. Late on, Diney Borges headed a rare corner goalwards, but Unai Simon was there to make the save for La Roja.

It made Cape Verde only the seventh team in World Cup history to go unbeaten in their opening game. It’s a historic campaign for the Blue Sharks in North America. × Was this article helpful?

Thank You for feedback Quick Links More from Sportskeeda Edited by Nnanna Mba Cape Verde have broken another FIFA World Cup record, with Kevin Lenini Pina etching his name into the history books in grand style. The midfielder scored the nation's first-ever goal at a World Cup with a terrific free-kick. Ad Kevin Lenini Goncalves Pereira de Pina was born on 27 January 1997 in Praia, Cape Verde.

He came through the academy of the Cape Verdean side Tchadense before moving to Portugal, where he played for Oliveirense in 2018. The midfielder’s career took a big turn when he moved east to join Russian Premier League club Krasnodar. He has been handed silverware during his time there, winning the Russian Premier League title in the 2025 campaign, the first major trophy of his career.

Ad Trending The player has been slowly earning prestige with the Blue Sharks on the international stage. Pina was called up for FIFA World Cup qualifiers in September 2021 and made his Cape Verde debut against Liechtenstein in March 2022. He was a regular starter for Cape Verde at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, helping them reach the knockout stage.

And now, Pina has written the definitive chapter of an unforgettable Cape Verdean World Cup tale with his free kick against Uruguay. The Blue Sharks will be hoping it puts them a step closer to a place in the FIFA World Cup Round of 32. Ad Cape Verde's debut in the FIFA World Cup against Spain Cape Verde caused one of the biggest upsets in FIFA World Cup history in their first-ever appearance in the competition with their 0-0 draw with Spain.

After Iceland, who debuted in Russia 2018, they are the smallest nation to ever partake in the biggest competition in world football. The hero of the night was Vozinha, the veteran custodian, whose heroics frustrated the European superstars throughout the match. The 40-year-old was vital, denying Mikel Oyarzabal, Ferran Torres, Aymeric Laporte, Marc Cucurella and others.

Most of the match was spent in their defensive third, but the Blue Sharks held firm throughout the entire 90 minutes. Not even the introduction of Lamine Yamal or Nico Williams could break down the resistance. Late on, Diney Borges headed a rare corner goalwards, but Unai Simon was there to make the save for La Roja.

It made Cape Verde only the seventh team in World Cup history to go unbeaten in their opening game. It’s a historic campaign for the Blue Sharks in North America. × Was this article helpful?

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