Vojinha cries after not being able to bring his mother to the World Cup stage due to lack of money


Published: 03:28 16 June 2026
Cape Verde's 40-year-old goalkeeper Vojinha made history on his World Cup debut. Despite becoming the team's hero by holding a powerful Spain to a goalless draw, he could not hold back his emotions at the end of the match. The goalkeeper broke down in tears.
There was a sad story behind Vojinha's tears. His mother was not there for him at the moment of his success on a big stage like the World Cup. He could not bring his mother with him due to lack of money and visa complications.
After the match, Vojinha said, "I cried after the match. Because when I was a child, I grew up with my grandparents. But they could not be here today. They died a few years ago. My mother could not be here either - because of visa complications and the money required for this."
He also said, "We could not complete everything on time."
Vojinha has become a part of Cape Verde's history by performing brilliantly against a strong team like Spain. He saved one attack after another throughout the match, earning his team a crucial point.
His performance and emotion have touched the hearts of people in the football world. BBC pundit and former Scottish footballer Pat Nevin said, “Vojinha lit up the whole match. What he has shown at the age of 40 is incredible.”
Former England defender Lee Dixon was also moved by Vojinha’s tears. “I am truly moved. Cape Verde deserved this point. Tonight is theirs.”
Vojinha not only became a hero on the field by stopping Spain, but his story of struggle and emotion has also become one of the most talked-about events of the World Cup.
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