‘No one should miss history,’ US lawmaker seeks visa for Cape Verde GK’s mother

United States House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has called on U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to help Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha’s mother attend the country’s next World Cup match against Uruguay in Miami Gardens, Florida.

Reacting to the goalkeeper’s emotional comments after Cape Verde’s historic goalless draw against Spain, Jeffries wrote on X on Tuesday: “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.”

Vozinha, 40, was the hero of Cape Verde’s World Cup debut, making seven saves and earning the player of the match award.

After the match, the veteran goalkeeper broke down in tears as he reflected on the absence of his family.

“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,” Vozinha 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.”

The U.S. State Department later said it was working to assist the player’s family.

“The U.S. Department of State has no record of this individual applying for a visa. All relatives of players are eligible for visa bond waivers, and the department is actively reaching out to this player’s family to assist with visa services,” a State Department official told The Athletic.

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