Pico Lopes looked over the moon to be reuniting with his wife Leah and their young son as he returned home to Dublin this week.
The footballer received a hero’s welcome as he touched down in Dublin Airport after making waves for Cape Verde at the World Cup. He looked elated as he kissed Leah and their baby, Diego.
The Crumlin man was met by a small crowd of friends and family, as well as a group of Shamrock Rovers supporters, and reporters.
Pico’s mum and dad, Judy and Carlos, joined Leah in greeting their son, who helped Cape Verde reach the knockout stages in the country’s first-ever World Cup.
The footballer’s eight-month-old son clung to him as the family posed for pictures. Diego wore a mini Cape Verdean jersey to support his dad as they embraced.
Pico and Leah welcomed the baby in October 2025, with the proud new mum sharing a sweet black-and-white snap of their family on social media.
‘Our baby blue shark. Diego Lopes O’Shaughnessy, born 17th Oct 25,’ she penned. The secondary school teacher brought the baby on their trip around the US to watch Pico play.
The family ended up flying in a private jet during the tournament, something Leah has joked she will ‘never live down.’
‘It was far from a private jet I was raised,’ Leah joked. ‘My holidays will never be the same again; camper vans and private planes.’
