According to CNN, Vozinha's extraordinary performance against Spain continues to make waves well beyond the pitch. After being one of the stars of the surprising goalless draw between Cape Verde and Spain, the Cape Verdean goalkeeper has now seen his family situation reach the corridors of power in Washington.
The US State Department confirmed on Tuesday that it is trying to help the player's mother obtain the documents needed to travel to the United States and watch her son's matches at the World Cup.
The story came to prominence after Vozinha's emotional remarks at the end of Monday's match. The goalkeeper revealed that his mother had been unable to attend because of difficulties with the visa process.
“She couldn't be here because of the visa... the money we have to pay for the visa,” he told reporters. “We couldn't sort everything out in time and I would have liked her to be here.”
The situation arises in a particular context. Cape Verde is on the list of 50 countries whose citizens are required, by decision of the Trump administration, to pay a bond that can reach 15,000 dollars, a measure the US authorities justify by citing alleged high rates of overstaying after visas expire.
Faced with the player's remarks, a State Department official clarified that there is no record of a visa application submitted by Vozinha's mother. The same source added that the relatives of players taking part in the World Cup are exempt from the bond requirement.
“The US State Department has no record of a visa application from this individual. All family members of players are entitled to an exemption from the visa bond, and the Department is actively contacting the player's family to provide assistance with visa services,” the official said.
A source close to the matter also indicated that the goalkeeper's mother does not currently hold a valid passport and is in the process of obtaining one.
On its official website, the State Department explains that the bond requirement is waived for athletes and team members — including coaches, support staff and immediate family — from countries taking part in the 2026 World Cup, provided they meet all the requirements for obtaining a visa.
While diplomatic efforts continue, Vozinha's popularity keeps growing at an impressive pace.
At 40, the goalkeeper, who plays in the Portuguese second division, has become one of the great stories of the tournament. Against a powerful Spain, he made seven crucial saves and led the resistance of a team playing the first match in its history at a World Cup finals.
Predictions pointed to absolute dominance by the European champions. Many anticipated a result similar to Germany's 7-1 win over Curaçao on Sunday. However, Cape Verde defied all the forecasts and won a historic draw that set off celebrations across the archipelago.
With around 530,000 inhabitants, the country enjoyed an unforgettable night. And the football world joined in the celebration.
The goalkeeper's fame also soared on social media. Encouraged by a Brazilian television station, Vozinha saw his Instagram account grow from roughly 50,000 followers to more than 9.7 million in a matter of hours.
The next opportunity to keep writing this unlikely story will come on Sunday, at 6pm US Eastern time, when Cape Verde face Uruguay in Miami. On that day, the goalkeeper could once again be the protagonist. And, perhaps, with his mother finally in the stands.
Source: CNN
