“SHE WANTED A DOCTOR; I BECAME A GOALKEEPER AND SAVED DREAMS.”
“As a child growing up in Cape Verde🇨🇻, I would often sneak out to play football because if my mother caught me, she would spank me. She always wanted the best for me and would tell me to focus on my studies, become a doctor, and save lives.
Looking back today, I smile because she was right about one thing — I did grow up to save lives in my own way. The only difference is that I chose to save goals as a goalkeeper.
Fast forward to this moment, and the same mother who once worried about my football dreams was sitting in a VIP section at the World Cup in the United States, invited by FIFA, proudly watching her son represent Cape Verde🇨🇻 on the biggest stage in football. She was even honored with a warm embrace from the FIFA President.
After our match against Uruguay, she hugged me tightly and said, “Please forgive me, my son. I am sorry for not believing in your dreams.”
I told her there was nothing to forgive. She only wanted a better future for me. She did not doubt me because she lacked love; she doubted me because she could not yet see what I could see.
Today, her smile means more to me than any save I have ever made. Seeing her proud of me is one of the greatest victories of my life.
-Cape Verde Premium Goalkeeper Josimar José Évora Dias melt hearts.
#Afrocania #FIFAWorldCup #usa