A senior United States lawmaker has stepped in to help the mother of Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha attend her son’s World Cup match after learning she missed his historic debut due to visa complications.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries made the appeal to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio following Cape Verde’s remarkable 0-0 draw against Spain at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The 40-year-old goalkeeper was the standout performer on the night, making seven crucial saves and earning the Player of the Match award as Cape Verde secured a memorable result in their first-ever World Cup appearance.
After the game, an emotional Vozinha broke down in tears while speaking about the absence of his family, particularly his mother, who was unable to travel to the United States.
Reacting to the situation, Jeffries called for assistance to ensure she can attend Cape Verde’s next match against Uruguay in Florida.
“The Cabo Verde national football team shocked Spain on the strength of a historic performance by goalkeeper Vozinha. His mom was unable to be there because of visa complications. No mother should miss the chance to see her child make history,” Jeffries wrote on X.
Speaking after the match, Vozinha revealed that his mother’s absence deeply affected him during one of the biggest moments of his football career.
“I cry because I grew up with my grandparents, and unfortunately they are not here. They died a few years before, and they were everything for me,” he said.
“And also because of my mom. She didn’t manage to be here because of the money we have to pay for the visa. We didn’t manage on time. I would like her to be here.”
Following the widespread reaction to his comments, the U.S. State Department said it is actively working to assist the player’s family.
According to a State Department official, relatives of World Cup players are eligible for visa bond waivers, and efforts are underway to help Vozinha’s mother secure the necessary travel documents.
The touching story has since attracted global attention, with many football fans hoping the veteran goalkeeper’s mother will be in the stands to witness Cape Verde’s next World Cup outing.
Source: The Athletic / U.S. State Department.
