‘No mother should miss the chance to see her child make history,’ US lawmaker seeks visa for Cape Verde GK’s mother

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

Jeffries made the appeal after the goalkeeper’s emotional remarks following Cape Verde’s historic goalless draw with Spain.

Reacting on X on Tuesday, Jeffries wrote: “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, emerged as the standout performer in Cape Verde’s World Cup debut, making seven saves and earning the player of the match award.

After the game, the veteran goalkeeper became emotional while speaking about 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.”

Following the comments, the U.S. State Department said it was taking steps 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.