Why the world fell for Vozinha
Key Takeaways
- Ana Cândida Évora has arrived in Miami after visa issues prevented her from attending Cape Verde's opening match against Spain.
- Vozinha became one of the tournament's standout players after his crucial saves helped Cape Verde secure a shock draw against Spain.
- Cape Verde remain unbeaten at the World Cup after draws with Spain and Uruguay and now face Saudi Arabia in their final group match.
The goalkeeper's emotional family story takes a positive turn as Ana Cândida Évora arrives in the US to support her son during Cape Verde's unbeaten World Cup campaign
Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha has become one of the breakout figures of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with his performances helping the island nation remain unbeaten after draws against Spain and Uruguay.
Speaking from Horta Seca on Thursday, his brother David Evora reflected on the attention Vozinha received following his display against Spain, where a series of crucial saves helped Cape Verde secure a point against one of the tournament favourites.
"I can say that on June 15 and 16, 2026, my brother was the most famous person in the world," he enthused.
"I truly believe that. São Vicente is an island of only 227 square kilometers. The land is so small that even and don't always make it out here."
The goalkeeper's rise has been closely followed by supporters in Cape Verde, particularly after a visa-related issue prevented their mother, Ana Candida Evora, from travelling to watch the team's opening match.
"What happened was that the deposit requirement killed the motivation of many Cape Verdeans to go," David Evora added.
"It really affected people's ability to travel because coming up with 1,500 Cape Verdean escudos is a lot of money for a Cape Verdean."
According to Evora, the requirement discouraged many fans from making the trip.
"As a result, my mom stayed behind, and we all lost our motivation. It just didn't feel worth handing over 1,500 Cape Verdean escudos to someone just to enter your own country. Given our simple nature, it just doesn't make sense to a Cape Verdean.”
The situation later changed after Vozinha's emotional reaction to his mother's absence drew widespread attention. Following intervention from the Cape Verde Football Federation and FIFA, Ana Cândida Évora's visa fees were waived and her travel documents were expedited.
She has now officially arrived in Miami, United States, and was able to watch her son play against Uruguay, where Cape Verde secured another draw to remain unbeaten at the tournament.
Cape Verde remain unbeaten at the World Cup after drawing against Spain and Uruguay. Vozinha's performances, particularly against Spain, have made him one of the standout goalkeepers of the tournament.
The team now turns its attention to its final Group H match against Saudi Arabia on June 27 as it looks to secure a place in the next round.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
