Cape Verde Star’s Mother Bound for Miami After Visa Breakthrough
Ana Cândida Évora is finally packing her bags. The 60-year-old mother of Cape Verde’s star goalkeeper, Vozinha, told news agency Lusa that she is preparing for a dream trip to Miami to watch her son compete in the 2026 World Cup this Sunday.
“They are bringing me a suitcase and I’m going to start preparing,” she said from her home on the island of São Vicente. Her life has been a whirlwind since Monday, when her son became a global sensation for his heroics on the pitch. “I’ve been emotional since Monday; I’m very proud. I don’t even have time to eat because of all the calls, but this is exactly what we wanted.”
A Heroic Debut and a Visa Breakthrough
Vozinha’s rise to stardom came after he stood like a wall against Spain during Cape Verde’s World Cup debut. His spectacular saves secured a 0-0 draw, a result that stunned the football world and sparked euphoria throughout the Cape Verdean diaspora.
Following the match, the goalkeeper shared that his mother faced significant bureaucratic hurdles in obtaining a U.S. visa. In response, U.S. authorities announced that exemptions would be made for the family members of participating athletes. Despite not even owning a passport until this week, Évora confirmed that officials are now fast-tracking her travel documents.
“They are taking care of everything—the passport, the ticket. I just have to go,” she said. “I will be there for the second game, by my son’s side, to give him all my support.”
Unshakable Confidence
Évora, who works as a caregiver for the elderly, said her clients have been just as swept up in the excitement as she has. She remains her son’s biggest fan and most confident supporter. “Vozinha will defend his goal; he won’t let a single goal in until we win,” she promised.
The World Cup has been a lifelong dream for the Cape Verdean keeper, and his mother is determined to see it through with him from the stands. “I don’t know exactly when I’m leaving yet, but the suitcase will be ready,” she guaranteed.
The Road Ahead for the Blue Sharks
Cape Verde, known as the “Blue Sharks,” finds itself in a highly competitive Group H. Following the first round of matches, all four teams—Cape Verde, Spain, Uruguay, and Saudi Arabia—are tied with one point each.
The Blue Sharks will face Uruguay this Sunday in Miami, followed by a final group stage clash against Saudi Arabia on June 26 in Houston. With his mother in the stands, Vozinha will be looking to keep another clean sheet and move his nation one step closer to the knockout rounds.
Image: Pexels – Franco Monsalvo
