Cape Verde Goalkeeper’s Mother Finally Heads to United States After Visa Challenges, Expresses Gratitude to Chinese Supporters

MIAMI — Ana Cândida Évora, the mother of Cape Verde national football team goalkeeper Vozinha, has expressed heartfelt gratitude to Chinese fans and supporters as she travels to the United States to watch her son compete at the FIFA World Cup.

Évora departed from São Vicente in Cape Verde, traveling through the capital city of Praia before beginning her journey to Miami, where she hopes to witness Cape Verde’s crucial Group H match against Uruguay. Her trip comes after difficulties surrounding visa-related costs were resolved, allowing her to finally make the long-awaited journey.

Speaking to Chinese media outlet CGTN before her departure, Évora warmly thanked the people of China for their support. She described China as “a very good country and a friend of the people of Cape Verde” and even addressed Chinese supporters in Mandarin, saying, “Thank you, Chinese fans.”

The story of Évora’s struggle to attend her son’s historic World Cup campaign attracted international attention after reports revealed that financial challenges and visa-related expenses had initially prevented her from traveling to the United States.

Among those who stepped forward to assist was Lin Jie, a Chinese entrepreneur originally from Wenzhou who has lived in Cape Verde for more than two decades. Shortly after Cape Verde’s opening World Cup match against Spain, Lin contacted the goalkeeper’s family through local community connections and offered support.

Videos shared by Lin on Chinese social media platform Douyin showed emotional scenes of Vozinha’s mother and relatives celebrating the goalkeeper’s achievements and preparing gifts for his return home. Additional footage documented Évora’s departure from a local airport as she began her journey to America.

According to Lin, Cape Verde National Assembly member Josina Freitas helped facilitate the necessary arrangements. The Cape Verde Football Federation covered the costs of Évora’s visa and transportation, making the trip possible.

The goalkeeper’s family had previously faced difficulties because of visa regulations affecting travelers from Cape Verde. Reports indicated that the high financial requirements associated with obtaining travel authorization had initially prevented Évora from attending her son’s World Cup debut.

Following widespread media attention and public support, arrangements were successfully completed, enabling her to travel in time for Cape Verde’s upcoming fixture against Uruguay.

The story has generated significant interest across China, where millions of social media users followed updates about Évora’s journey. The topic became one of the most discussed sports-related stories on Chinese social media platforms, with many users sharing messages of encouragement and support.

During her interview, Évora reflected on her son’s football journey from childhood to the world stage. She spoke emotionally about the sacrifices made throughout his career and her excitement at finally being able to see him compete at football’s biggest tournament.

“When I see him, I want to give him a mother’s hug and wish him good luck,” she said.

For Vozinha, one of Cape Verde’s most experienced players, his mother’s presence in the stands is expected to be an emotional moment as the island nation continues its historic World Cup campaign.

The touching story has highlighted not only the strong bond between a mother and her son but also the power of international solidarity, with supporters from around the world helping make a dream come true.

Courtesy: globaltimes