After a Global Effort, Football Star's Mother Makes First Ever Trip Abroad to Watch Her Son at the World Cup

June 22, 2026

When Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha stepped onto the field at the World Cup, he had one wish: that his mother could be there to see it.

Thanks to the kindness and determination of countless strangers, that wish came true.

Vozinha's mother in the stands / BBC screenshot

Ana Candida Evora, the mother of the 40 year old goalkeeper, arrived in the United States after an exhausting journey of more than 24 hours from Cape Verde. It was a trip she never imagined she would make.

"I didn't even have a passport. It is the first time I have left Cabo Verde," Evora said.

Just days earlier, attending the tournament seemed impossible. Visa issues and the costs associated with obtaining one stood in the way. But after Vozinha's emotional comments following a match against Spain went viral, people around the world rallied to help.

The goalkeeper had tearfully spoken about wishing his late grandparents could have seen him play on football's biggest stage and hoping his mother's visa problems could be resolved in time for her to attend.

The heartfelt plea sparked action.

According to reports, officials from the U.S. State Department, FIFA, U.S. lawmakers, and Cape Verde's football federation worked together to help clear a path for Evora to travel to Miami for the tournament.

When she arrived at the airport, FIFA officials and volunteers were there to welcome her.

Her arrival meant she would finally get to watch her son represent his country in person at the World Cup.

Vozinha / Instagram

She also arrived just in time to witness a remarkable chapter in his career. Vozinha has become one of football's newest sensations, seeing his Instagram following skyrocket from about 50,000 followers to more than 15 million as fans around the world embraced his story.

For Evora, however, the biggest moment was not the fame or the headlines.

It was finally being in the stands, watching her son live out a dream while proudly representing Cape Verde before a global audience.