PLAYER SNAPSHOT: At a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Dailon Rocha Livramento do Rosario |
| Date of Birth | 04/05/2001 (Age: 25) |
| Place of Birth | Rotterdam, Netherlands |
| Nationality | Cape Verdean / Dutch |
| Height | 1.85 m / 6 ft 1 in |
| Weight | 79–82 kg |
| Position | Striker / Forward |
| Preferred Foot | — |
| Squad Number | — |
| Current Club | Hellas Verona |
| Previous Clubs | Roda JC, MVV Maastricht, Casa Pia (loan) |
| International Caps | — |
| International Goals | 6+ |
| World Cup Appearances | 2026 |
| Contract Until | — |
| Market Value | — |
The Frozen Moment
Atlanta, Georgia. June 15, 2026. Cape Verde, the Blue Sharks, were making their World Cup debut against Spain—the European champions and tournament favourites. Leading the line for the African island nation was Dailon Livramento, a 25-year-old striker who had gone 666 days without scoring a goal for his club.
That statistic—666 days—was a paradox that defined his career. At club level, he had been unable to find the net for nearly two years. But for Cape Verde, he was a hero. He had scored the goals that qualified the nation for its first-ever World Cup, including the decisive winner against Cameroon. Now, he was facing the world champions.
Livramento played 60 minutes against Spain, making his World Cup debut and helping Cape Verde secure a historic 0-0 draw. “I’m very proud that we have been able to show the world what we are capable of, not only as a team but also as a country,” he said afterwards. The celebration that followed, with the entire team dancing, was a moment of pure joy. It was the paradox of Livramento: a player who rarely scored for his clubs, but who delivered when it mattered most for his country.
Origins
Born on May 4, 2001, in Rotterdam, Netherlands, Dailon Livramento grew up with dual Cape Verdean and Dutch nationality. His mother, Marizia, is a musician, and two of his brothers, Jerzy and Conna, are also musicians. His parents are from Cape Verde, and he chose to represent his family’s homeland at international level.
Livramento began his football career in the Netherlands, playing for clubs including Excelsior, Sparta AV, and NAC Breda in his youth. He made his professional debut for Roda JC in October 2021, starting in a 2-1 victory over FC Den Bosch. His breakthrough came at MVV Maastricht, where he scored 16 goals in 36 games during the 2023/24 season, establishing himself as a prolific goalscorer in the Dutch second division.
Livramento made his debut for Cape Verde in March 2024 and quickly became a key player for the national team. He scored crucial goals during World Cup qualifying, including a brace against Angola and the winner against Cameroon, which proved decisive in securing Cape Verde’s historic qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
The European Forge
Roda JC (2021-2022):
Livramento made his professional debut for Roda JC in October 2021, starting and playing the full match in a 2-1 victory over FC Den Bosch.
MVV Maastricht (2022-2024):
Livramento’s breakthrough came at MVV Maastricht in the Dutch second division. In the 2023/24 season, he was the club’s top scorer with 16 goals in 36 appearances. His performances in the Netherlands attracted attention from clubs in stronger European leagues.
Hellas Verona (2024-Present):
In July 2024, Livramento signed a four-year contract with Hellas Verona in Serie A. He made his first start on August 18, 2024, also scoring his first goal for the club against Napoli. However, his time in Italy was limited. In total for Verona, he played 31 games, scoring just one goal and providing one assist. His last club goal came on that debut against Napoli, beginning a goal drought that lasted 666 days.
Casa Pia (Loan, 2025-2026):
Livramento was loaned to Portuguese Primeira Liga club Casa Pia for the 2025/26 season. The spell was unproductive: he made 28 appearances (12 as a starter) but failed to score a single goal, registering only one assist. His struggles at club level continued, but his international form remained a stark contrast.
Cape Verde National Team (2024-Present):
Livramento made his debut for Cape Verde in March 2024. He played a pivotal role in the nation’s historic qualification for the 2026 World Cup, scoring four goals in the qualifying campaign, including two against Angola, the winner against Cameroon, and the opening goal against Eswatini. In total for Cape Verde, he scored six or more goals, including in friendlies against Chile.
At the 2026 World Cup, Livramento started Cape Verde’s opening match against Spain and their second match against Saudi Arabia, playing 60 minutes in each. He came on as a substitute against Argentina in the Round of 32, playing 54 minutes. He played 174 minutes in total across the tournament but did not score. Despite his limited impact in the tournament itself, his role in qualifying secured his place in Cape Verdean football history.
The Anatomy of His Game
Dailon Livramento is a strong, powerful striker with a long stride, known for his speed and physical presence. His playing style is defined by a paradoxical split between his club form and his international performances.
In Possession:
Livramento is a composed finisher at international level, having scored crucial goals in World Cup qualifying. At club level, however, he has been unable to replicate that form. He went 666 days without scoring for his clubs between August 2024 and his World Cup debut in June 2026. In the 2025/26 season, he made 28 appearances for Casa Pia without scoring, and 24 appearances for Verona in the previous season with only one goal.
Out of Possession:
Livramento’s speed and power make him a threat on the counter-attack. Cape Verde’s tactical approach, with a low block and rapid transitions, suits his attributes perfectly. His physicality and work rate make him effective even when he is not scoring.
Psychological Edge:
Livramento’s mental resilience is his defining trait. Despite his prolonged club goal drought, he has delivered consistently for Cape Verde. His goals against Angola, Eswatini, and most importantly Cameroon—the winner that secured World Cup qualification—demonstrate his ability to rise to the occasion. He has been described as a player who “reserves goals for specific moments,” and his paradoxical form is a testament to his psychological strength.
The Numbers Game
TABLE A: The Data Snapshot (2025/26 Season)
| Competition | Apps (Starts/Subs) | Minutes | Goals | Assists | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primeira Liga (Casa Pia loan) | 28 (12/16) | 944 | 0 | 1 | — |
| FIFA World Cup 2026 | 3 (2/1) | 174 | 0 | 0 | — |
| TOTAL | 31 | 1,118 | 0 | 1 | — |
TABLE B: Career Overview
| Season/Period | Club | League/Competition | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023/24 | MVV Maastricht | Dutch Eerste Divisie | 36 | 16 |
| 2024/25 | Hellas Verona | Serie A | 31 | 1 |
| 2025/26 | Casa Pia (loan) | Primeira Liga | 28 | 0 |
| TOTAL | — | — | 95 | 17 |
TABLE C: International Record
| Tournament/Competition | Apps | Goals | Major Honours |
|---|---|---|---|
| FIFA World Cup 2026 | 3 | 0 | Round of 32 |
| World Cup Qualifying | — | 4 | Qualified |
| Friendly Matches | — | 2+ | — |
| Cape Verde Senior Career | — | 6+ | — |
TABLE D: Career Milestones
| Year | Achievement | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Professional Debut | Roda JC vs FC Den Bosch |
| 2023/24 | Top Scorer | 16 goals in 36 games for MVV |
| 2024 | Cape Verde Debut | March 2024 |
| 2024 | Serie A Debut & First Goal | vs Napoli, August 18 |
| 2025 | World Cup Qualifying Hero | Scored winning goal vs Cameroon |
| 2026 | World Cup Debut | vs Spain |
What these figures reveal is a player of stark contrasts. Livramento has shown he can score goals at the club level—16 in 36 games for MVV in the 2023/24 season. But at the highest level in Italy and Portugal, his form has deserted him. Yet when he puts on the Cape Verde shirt, he transforms. His 6+ goals for the national team, including crucial World Cup qualifiers, demonstrate his value to his country.
The Present Tense
Dailon Livramento is 25 years old and at a pivotal moment in his career. He is a Hellas Verona player, having returned from a loan spell at Casa Pia, and a key member of the Cape Verde national team following their historic World Cup debut.
The Hellas Verona Story:
Livramento signed with Hellas Verona in July 2024 but struggled for form in Serie A, scoring just one goal in 31 appearances. He was loaned to Casa Pia in Portugal for the 2025/26 season, where he failed to score in 28 appearances. His loan ended in June 2026, and he returned to Verona. His future at the club is uncertain given his lack of goals.
The World Cup Campaign:
Livramento was named in Cape Verde’s 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup, the nation’s tournament debut. He started the group-stage matches against Spain and Saudi Arabia, playing 60 minutes in each. He came on as a substitute against Argentina in the Round of 32, playing 54 minutes. He played 174 minutes in total but did not score or provide an assist. Despite his lack of goals, his presence was significant—he was trusted to lead the line against Spain and Saudi Arabia.
International Record:
Livramento has been a key figure for Cape Verde since his debut in March 2024. He scored four goals in World Cup qualifying, including the winner against Cameroon that helped secure qualification. In total, he has over six goals for the national team.
Beyond the Touchline
Off the pitch, Dailon Livramento is a symbol of the Cape Verdean diaspora. Born in the Netherlands to Cape Verdean parents, he chose to represent his family’s homeland over the country of his birth. His mother, Marizia, is a musician, and his two brothers are also involved in music.
Livramento is known for his humility and team-first attitude. Despite being described as the key player for Cape Verde’s attack, he deflected praise, insisting that “no player gave more or less than another. Everyone gave 200%.” He has spoken about the team’s family-like atmosphere and the importance of enjoying the moment.
His paradox—scoring for his country but not for his club—has made him a fascinating figure in the 2026 World Cup. He went 666 days without a club goal before the tournament, yet his record for Cape Verde was outstanding.
The Verdict from the Camp
Dailon Livramento, Cape Verde striker:
“I’m very proud that we have been able to show the world what we are capable of, not only as a team but also as a country.”
“When the referee blew the final whistle, I went straight to our fans to celebrate with them. It was incredible. We all thought: ‘What happened? Did this really happen?’ It was a spectacular moment.”
Cape Verde national team profile:
Dailon Livramento has been described as the “great footballing banner” of Cape Verde and a player whose speed and strength are key assets for the team’s counter-attacking style.
Statistic:
Livramento went 666 days without scoring a goal for his clubs between August 2024 and June 2026.
Statistic:
Livramento scored four goals in World Cup qualifying, including the winner against Cameroon that secured Cape Verde’s historic qualification.
Statistic:
Livramento played 174 minutes across three World Cup appearances, starting against Spain and Saudi Arabia.
Where Next?
Dailon Livramento is 25 years old and at a crossroads in his career. He is under contract with Hellas Verona, but his lack of goals in Italy and Portugal raise questions about his future at the club. His World Cup profile could attract interest from clubs who believe he can rediscover the form he showed at MVV Maastricht.
For Cape Verde, Livramento is one of the most important players in the squad. His goals in qualifying were decisive, and his role in the nation’s historic World Cup debut has cemented his legacy. He is expected to continue as a key figure for the Blue Sharks in the coming years.
From Rotterdam to the World Cup, Dailon Livramento’s journey is one of contrasts, resilience, and the power of representing one’s heritage. The striker who cannot score for his clubs but delivers for his country is a symbol of the Cape Verdean dream—and his story is far from complete.
