‘We couldn’t manage visa money’: 2026 World Cup hero Vozinha breaks down after Spain draw over mother’s absence

Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha (AP Photo/Erik S. Lesser) For most footballers, winning the FIFA World Cup Man of the Match award is the pinnacle of a lifetime’s work. It was a bittersweet moment for Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha.Moments after producing a sensational performance to help tournament debutants Cape Verde hold Spain to a stunning 0-0 draw, the 40-year-old veteran was seen on the pitch in tears. While many assumed the emotion stemmed solely from the magnitude of the result, Vozinha later revealed that there was a deeply personal reason behind it.His thoughts immediately turned to family members who were unable to witness the greatest performance of his career. Vozinha was raised by his grandparents, to whom he owes the shaping of his life and football journey. Both passed away a few years ago, leaving a void that was felt more strongly than ever during one of the biggest nights in Cape Verdean sporting history.“I cried because I grew up with my grandparents, unfortunately they weren’t here. They died a few years ago. They were everything to me, everything to my life,” Vozinha said after receiving the Man of the Match award.The goalkeeper also revealed that his mother had planned to travel to the United States for the World Cup and had even prepared for the trip. However, in the end, financial obstacles connected with the visa obligation prevented her from traveling.“And also because of mom. She couldn’t be here because of the visa. Because of the money you have to pay for the visa, we didn’t make it in time. I wish she was here,” he said.After a performance that will be remembered in Cape Verde for years, there were tears. Facing one of the tournament favourites, Vozinha produced a masterclass of goalkeeping, making seven crucial saves to thwart Spain’s star-studded attack. Spain dominated possession, creating chance after chance and sending 27 shots on goal, yet they couldn’t find a way past the inspired goalkeeper. Not even the introduction of teenage sensation Lamine Yamal in the second half could break Cape Verde’s resistance.As the final whistle blew, Vozinha collapsed near his goal, overcome with emotion, before being embraced by teammates who understood the significance of what they had achieved. It was more than just a point for Cape Verde. In their first ever match at the World Cup, European champions Spain were held to a draw and declared themselves on football’s biggest stage.He added: “Our best weapon is our unity. Regardless of a player who arrives today or a player who is 10 or 15 years old, how we treat our family is our greatest strength.”“Everyone thought we came here just to enjoy the World Cup, but no, we know we have teams that we will always respect because it’s the first time, but we’re here to compete and we’re here to fight for our country,” Vozinha concluded.