Dublin City Council Celebrates Pico Lopes' Extraordinary Journey from Local Club to World Cup Stage

Dublin City Council today hosted a special civic welcome for Shamrock Rovers captain and Cabo Verde World Cup hero Pico Lopes at Lourdes Celtic FC in Crumlin, the club where his football journey first began. The event celebrated Pico's remarkable achievements in football, including his role in helping Cabo Verde reach the last 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while recognising the important contribution of Lourdes Celtic FC and the local community to his development.

Lord Mayor of Dublin, Daryl Barron, said, "Today Dublin is welcoming home one of its own. Pico Lopes has gone from playing football at Lourdes Celtic to leading Shamrock Rovers and representing Cabo Verde at the highest level of the game. His achievements have made his community proud and show young people across Dublin what is possible when talent is matched with hard work and ambition. Dublin City Council is honoured to celebrate his success and the grassroots club where it all began."

Held at Eamonn Ceannt Park, the homecoming celebration brought together members of the local community, young players, club representatives, elected members and invited guests to honour a player whose journey from grassroots football in Dublin to the international stage demonstrates the opportunities that sport can create and the lasting impact of community football.

The family-friendly event featured football skills workshops, penalty shootout competitions, dribbling races, freestyle football performances, music and entertainment throughout the afternoon. A large LED screen showcased highlights from Pico's career and World Cup journey, while children and families enjoyed a range of football-themed activities, giveaways and photo opportunities.

A spokesperson for Lourdes Celtic FC said, "Today is a very proud day for Lourdes Celtic FC. Welcoming Pico back to the club where his football journey began is a special moment for our players, coaches, volunteers and supporters. His achievements with Shamrock Rovers and Cabo Verde are an inspiration to young people throughout our community and a reminder of the important role grassroots clubs play in helping young players develop their talent and achieve their dreams. We are delighted to celebrate his success and to welcome him home."

Pico Lopes said, "I want to thank the Lord Mayor and Dublin City Council for hosting this event at Lourdes Celtic today and to say a very special thank you to everyone who turned up and made it such a great occasion for my family and for myself. Lourdes Celtic are at the very heart of the community here in Crumlin and it was such a pleasure to meet so many old friends from my time with the club and to make so many new friends as well, as we celebrated the incredible World Cup journey with Cape Verde. I wish all involved with Lourdes Celtic the very best for the future, this club will always be close to my heart and I thank them again for today."

The civic reception highlighted the importance of community sport and celebrated the positive impact local clubs have in providing opportunities for young people to develop, participate and achieve their potential. Dublin City Council was proud to recognise Pico Lopes' achievements while also acknowledging the role of Lourdes Celtic FC in helping shape one of Dublin's outstanding sporting ambassadors.

ENDS