Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha, full name Josimar Dias, was named Player of the Match in Cape Verde’s first-ever World Cup game against Spain on June 14, helping secure a 0-0 draw with seven notable saves [1, 2, 3, 4]. At 40 years old, Vozinha became the oldest player to appear in a nation’s debut World Cup match [2, 3].
Vozinha’s mother, Ana Candida Evora, initially faced visa challenges and high costs preventing her from traveling about 6,400 km from Cape Verde to the match in Atlanta due to a $15,000 refundable US visa bond imposed by the previous Trump administration on citizens from several countries, including Cape Verde [1, 4, 5]. Vozinha said he cried after the game because his mother was unable to attend, explaining, "I cried because I grew up with my grandparents... And also because of my mum. She didn't manage to be here because of the visa" [2].
US Congressman Hakeem Jeffries intervened to secure visa fee waivers and expedite Ana Candida Evora’s approval to attend Cape Verde’s next group match [6, 2, 5, 7]. Jeffries said, "No mother should miss the chance to see her child make history... It is a privilege to announce that Vozinha’s mum will be able to secure a visa in time to attend their game this Sunday" [7].
On June 18, the US State Department confirmed Evora's visa approval and cleared her to travel [8, 9, 10, 11]. She arrived in Miami on June 19 to watch Vozinha play in their second group match against Uruguay on June 21 [12, 11]. Evora expressed pride, saying, "I said that no ball would enter his goal... 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" [1]. She also wished him good luck ahead of the game [12].
Following his strong showing against Spain, Vozinha's Instagram followers surged from 50,000 to over 13 million [9, 3]. His nickname means "little grandma" in Cape Verde Creole [3].
Cape Verde will next face Uruguay on June 21 in Miami, with Ana Candida Evora expected to be in attendance.
