The mother of Vozinha, the Cape Verde goalkeeper, has successfully obtained a visa to enter the United States and witness her son compete in the World Cup. This development follows her inability to attend Cape Verde’s notable draw against Spain earlier this week due to financial constraints, as announced by US House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries on Wednesday.
The US government had mandated that citizens from Cape Verde post a returnable bond of $15,000 (£11,200) in addition to the visa fee for travel to the United States. Although the Trump administration eliminated this requirement for World Cup ticket holders last month, the financial burden had already made it impractical for Ana Candida Evora, Vozinha’s 40-year-old mother, to make the trip.
Visa Fees Waived
On Wednesday, Jeffries confirmed that the visa fees have been waived, allowing Evora to attend Cape Verde’s upcoming match against Uruguay on Sunday in Miami. He expressed gratitude towards Marco Rubio, the US Secretary of State, and the State Department for their assistance in this matter.
“Cape Verdeans in America and throughout the diaspora have been celebrating the underdog grit and resilience of the Blue Sharks, joined by soccer fans from nations throughout the globe,” Jeffries stated. “That joy was tempered a bit when Vozinha tearfully revealed that his own mother was unable to watch her son’s iconic performance in person due to visa complications. No mother should miss the chance to see her child make history. “Upon learning of this development, I spoke with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and asked the State Department to do everything in their power to ensure that his mother can attend Cabo Verde’s next match. It is a privilege to announce that Vozinha’s mom will be able to secure a visa in time to attend their game this Sunday against Uruguay. All fees have been waived consistent with official policy. Travel arrangements are now being made for mother and son to reunite in Miami. I thank Secretary Rubio, US State Department officials, the government of Cabo Verde and Fifa for working together to make this possible.”
Jeffries further mentioned, “I cried because I grew up with my grandparents and unfortunately they were not here; they died a few years ago,”
Vozinha’s Journey
At 40, Vozinha has established himself as Cape Verde’s most cherished footballer, serving as their starting goalkeeper for over a decade. His remarkable performances in the World Cup have not only secured the nation’s first-ever point but also attracted millions of new followers on social media platforms.
“They were everything for me, for my life. I also cried because my mum didn’t manage to be here because of the visa. Because of the money we had to pay for the visa, we didn’t manage to [get it done] on time. I would like her to be here, but I’m also very happy. “I have worked my whole life for this moment. I’m 40 years old. I started playing football professionally when I was 25, in 2012. I thought about leaving but I continued because of this dream. This is for everyone. I was named man of the match but this is for all of my teammates because without them nothing would be possible. I will continue to work for Cape Verde and for the people.” he reflected after the match against Spain. “I said that no ball would enter his goal, and that is exactly what happened,”
Vozinha continued, “He is a great goalkeeper. I am very proud to be Vozinha’s mother, and I hope he continues to save every ball that comes his way.”
Evora, who is 59 and works as a house cleaner, shared her experience watching the match from her home in São Vicente, one of Cape Verde’s ten main islands.
“I said that no ball would enter his goal, and that is exactly what happened,” she remarked. “He is a great goalkeeper. I am very proud to be Vozinha’s mother, and I hope he continues to save every ball that comes his way.”
