Cape Verde’s football team have been welcomed home by tens of thousands of elated supporters following a historic run at the World Cup.
The Blue Sharks returned to the capital city, Praia, on Sunday after a thrilling match that saw them edged out by the reigning champions Argentina. The airport’s concourse turned into a carnival, with drums, dancing, chanting and the national flag waving in a tidal wave of blue.
Goalkeeper Vozinha, who gained global attention for his saves, told the BBC: “It is a very great moment for us to be here with our people.” The 33‑year‑old laced his white T‑shirt with the country’s name, proudly wearing the emblem of a nation that had never before played in a World Cup.
One supporter said she came not just out of care for the team but to thank them for representing a tiny nation against giants such as Spain and Uruguay. They had held Spain 0‑0 in their opening match, setting the stage for a memorable upset.
A fan’s shout of “Vozinha!” echoed across the airwaves as another star, centre‑back Pico Lopes, was also celebrated. Players cycled through the crowd, signing football shirts and shaking hands with the thousands that gathered on the tarmac.
The homecoming coincided with Cape Verde’s 51st independence day, commemorating the end of Portuguese colonial rule. This year’s squad had entered the tournament ranked 67th worldwide, yet the draw of three group‑stage opponents — including holding European champions Spain 0‑0 — had set the scene for a historic underdog story.
Throughout the match, the Argentine forwards scored two goals, but Cape Verde equalised twice, once with a strike from Sidny Lopes Cabral. Still, the Argentine still managed to advance after a late deflection. Manager Pedro Leitão Brito, also known as Bubista, expressed pride in the team’s effort: “We showed that we may be a small country but we can play against the best teams in the world, and we made history for our country. They can be proud for representing us.”
As the Blue Sharks rode into Praia, the crowds shouted names and watched their heroes sign t‑shirts, creating a tableau reminiscent of the very spirit that led them to the tournament in the first place.
With the celebration taking place on their independence day, the nation was proud to honour the team’s bravery and their journey to the world stage. The homecoming was both a moment of joy for fans and a milestone for Cape Verde, solidifying the Blue Sharks as a symbol of national pride.
