Sandro Mendes

Sandro was born in Pinhal Novo, Setúbal District, Portugal. He started his career at Vitória de Setúbal and made his Primeira Liga debut in 1995, but moved to Hércules CF in the Spanish Segunda División aged 19 in 1997. In January 1999, Sandro joined La Liga club Villarreal CF on loan, but made just two appearances in six months as the season ended in relegation. He returned to Spain's second tier the following campaign, with UD Salamanca. After another five-year spell with Vitória Setúbal, FC Porto acquired Sandro's services for 2005–06. Having failed to make a competitive appearance, he was loaned to Turkey's Manisaspor until January 2006, when he rejoined Vitória for a third stint. In the 2009–10 season, Sandro played 26 matches and scored once, in a 2–1 away win against relegation rivals Leixões S.C. on 14 March 2010, as Setúbal retained top-flight status. In July 2010 the 33-year-old left for Spain again, signing for Segunda División B side AD Ceuta where he was joined by several compatriots. Prior to the start of the 2011–12 campaign, Sandro signed with Associação Naval 1º de Maio of the Portuguese Segunda Liga.

Sandro won 12 caps for Portugal at youth level, four at under-20 and eight at under-21. He chose to represent Cape Verde as a senior, making his debut on 5 June 2004 in a 2–1 away loss to South Africa in the 2006 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

After retiring, Mendes returned to Vitória de Setúbal as youth system coordinator and under-17 coach. In 2014, he was appointed manager of amateurs AC Alcacerense where he completed his coaching licence. Mendes returned to the Estádio do Bonfim in June 2016, again being in charge of the youth system. He then became Vitória's director of football. On 25 January 2019, after the dismissal of Lito Vidigal, Mendes was named head coach until the end of the season, and Jorge Andrade was named as his assistant. On 26 October, following a 0–0 home draw against C.S. Marítimo that still left the team above the relegation zone, he was dismissed. Mendes returned to management on 27 September 2021, taking charge of Amora F.C. in the Portuguese third division.

Vitória Setúbal

Taça de Portugal: 2004–05 Taça da Liga: 2007–08