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 obtain the necessary visa to attend her son’s next World Cup match in Miami Gardens, Florida.
Jeffries made the appeal on X on Tuesday, reacting to the emotional aftermath of Cape Verde’s historic goalless draw against Spain. He praised the national team’s performance and said no mother should miss the opportunity to witness her child make history.
Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha, 40, was central to the result, producing seven saves and earning the player of the match award in what marked the country’s World Cup debut.
After the match, the veteran goalkeeper became emotional while speaking about his family’s absence. He revealed that his grandparents, who raised him, had passed away years earlier, and expressed deep sorrow that they were not present to witness his achievement.
He also spoke about his mother’s inability to attend the tournament, explaining that visa-related costs and timing challenges prevented her from traveling. “She didn’t manage to be here because of the money we have to pay for the visa… I would like her to be here,” he said.
The U.S. State Department later responded, stating it was working to assist the player’s family. It noted that it had no record of a visa application from the individual but emphasized that relatives of players are eligible for visa bond waivers, adding that officials were already reaching out to facilitate the process.
Elijah Adeyemi
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