Rotterdam officials celebrated Cape Verdean footballers Deroy Duarte and Dailon Livramento for their impressive performance at the recent World Cup. The players, along with Sidny Lopes Cabral who was honored separately, represent a strong connection between the city and the island nation, as six of the 26-man squad were born in Rotterdam—more than any other city outside of Cape Verde. Despite being the smallest nation to reach the knockout stage, Cape Verde made history with draws against Spain, Uruguay, and Saudi Arabia. Though ultimately losing to Argentina in the round of 16, their spirited play captivated audiences worldwide. The team's success has strengthened the bond between the local Cape Verdean community and their ancestral homeland, with many players developing their skills at local clubs like Sparta, Excelsior, and Feyenoord. The event highlighted the power of sport to unite communities and inspire future generations.