Emotion at the World Cup: Kevin Pina dedicates goal to his daughter and reveals gratitude to the mother who raised him without his father
The Cape Verde team, which has become the favorite of Brazilian fans, continues to surprise on the global football scene, especially through notable figures such as goalkeeper Vozinha and, now, Kevin Pina. The midfielder, scorer of the country’s historic first goal in World Cups, gave an exclusive interview to ge, where he expressed deep feelings for his mother and daughter, marking the moment with a strong emotion.
A wide smile marked Kevin’s face as he dedicated the beautiful free kick, scored in the 2-2 draw against Uruguay, to his daughter. However, when addressing retribution to the most important person in his life, his mother, the player could not contain his tears, becoming emotional before unintentionally revealing a surprise plan for Dona Maria after the end of the World Cup.
In addition to his passion for football and idols such as Ronaldinho Gaúcho and Casemiro, Kevin Pina is a great admirer of Brazil, where he already spent New Year’s Eve in Rio de Janeiro. However, the real turning point in his personal trajectory came on June 21, 2026, with a powerful right-footed kick that went down in history.
The strength of a mother who became a great heroine
The 29-year-old athlete, now with a place in the history of Cape Verdean football, has received a large volume of praise and tributes. For him, however, the real hero is his mother, Maria, who faced countless adversities as head of the family and ensured his livelihood. The absence of his father and the need for Dona Maria to work tirelessly left deep marks on the player’s heart, issues that he still addresses with psychological counseling.
- What was your mother’s influence on your upbringing?
I can cite my mother as the biggest influence. My father left for the United States when I was almost two years old, and I grew up without my father’s presence. In Cape Verde, it is common for one of the parents to need to leave the country in search of better opportunities for the family. I don’t blame my father for this; unfortunately, this is the reality. My mother single-handedly shaped me into the man I am today, with her education and for many other reasons. She was a father and mother at the same time. I grew up in a region with many difficulties, where violence and drugs were constant. Since I was little, I have always stayed focused and avoided the wrong path.
Kevin fondly remembers Maria’s exemplary leadership in his family. When talking about her, the athlete had to interrupt the interview twice, such was the emotion that took over.
- What are your most memorable memories of your mother?
I always knew what I wanted and what was right or wrong. When thinking about my mother, many memories come to mind. I remember her leaving for work every day and coming home around 11pm. Sometimes I would go through the day without her. Of course, I would have liked to have had more time with her. She was my mother, she ran the house and took care of everything. I have two uncles who I consider as parents, but they took a different path. There are many memories… sometimes it is difficult to remember (emotional). Today, I represent a lot to them. I try to act correctly and show the right path to everyone. I lack words. To be honest, I’m working through some issues from the past that I haven’t resolved yet, with the help of a psychologist.
Kevin Pina’s gratitude for Dona Maria is so immense that he believes it is impossible to repay everything she did for him during his childhood in Praia, the capital of Cape Verde.
- How do you try to repay your mother’s efforts?
I think that, besides the financial return, what matters most is the pride that my mother feels now. Just seeing her crying in the stadium in a video fills me with satisfaction. The pride I give my family is worth much more. I keep telling her — and I said it on the day of the game — that nothing can repay what she did for me (crying). I can give her the world, and it still won’t compare to her effort, her dedication and the love she gave me. But I try to give back in every way (crying).
Goal dedication to daughter Jasmin
Before becoming deeply moved by his words about Maria, Kevin expressed his affection for his daughter Jasmin, just one year old, dedicating the free kick against Uruguay to her. The little girl was in the stands of the stadium in Miami, accompanied by Dona Maria and Janine, the athlete’s wife.
- What has fatherhood brought to your life?
Jasmin’s birthday is on June 1st, Children’s Day (in Cape Verde). What I can say is that, from the moment she arrived in my life, everything changed positively. She is another person who inspires me, along with my mother, my wife, my sister and my father. There is nothing like it. It’s a unique feeling, especially being on the field, scoring an important goal and dedicating it to her. When she grows up, I will keep all these photos, videos, interviews and the award to show her and for us to remember.
The midfielder from Krasnodar, from Russia, dedicated many words and feelings to Maria and Jasmin, but found no terms to describe the feeling of scoring a goal in the World Cup. The penny hasn’t completely sunk in yet.
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- How would you describe the emotion of scoring a goal in a World Cup?
I can start by saying that there are things for which there are no words, it is something that you feel in your skin. I am very happy and fulfilled; This achievement is an immense pride, especially for my story and for my family, who is always by my side. And, of course, without forgetting my people, who represent enormous energy for us. To be honest, emotions are still raw here in my head (laughs). After the goal, the only image that came to me was that of my daughter and my family. I looked for them in the stands, because I wanted to and felt the need. I asked God a lot to bless me with a goal.
Kevin Pina and the “Blue Sharks” from Cape Verde will face another crucial challenge: Saudi Arabia, on Friday (26), at 9pm (Brasília time), in search of qualifying for the knockout stages. In addition to discussing the next game, the midfielder revealed he was a fan of barbecue, talked about his visit to Rio de Janeiro and classified the charismatic Vozinha as a “legend”.
Check out more of the interview below:
- You held back the mighty Spain and Uruguay. Are you confident in qualifying for the duel against Saudi Arabia?
We are very confident. We started the week with great preparation for the game against Saudi Arabia. I can say that our group is very calm. We will pass, God willing.
- Speaking of Brazil, I imagine you admired Brazilian players as a kid. Who are your idols who were born here?
I’m a defensive midfielder, but when I was growing up I was a winger. I really liked Robinho and Ronaldinho Gaúcho. When I was little, I watched a lot of their videos and loved the Brazilian team.
- And in your position?
I can mention Casemiro. I remember him at Porto, scoring a great free kick.
- Let’s talk more about your mother. Is it the great love of your life?
Undoubtedly. What I am today is thanks to her. She did everything for me, she never let me miss anything.
- You said you’ve already given her a lot of pride back. Is there any special gift you want to give Dona Maria?
My greatest desire is to travel more with her, because neither she nor I imagined one day seeing the whole world, enjoying these moments in different countries. I want to give her a house and a car that she likes. She just got her driver’s license and deserves a car. I was even going to surprise her (laughs). I want to travel the world with her and enjoy the little moments that life gives us.
- You became historic, but Vozinha is also a popular success. How has his success impacted the group?
Vozinha deserves it for everything he did for the team and for our people. It deserves much more. He has always been a legend, and now he is even more so. We are always joking with him about the number of followers. That’s the world of football. It’s not just football, it’s much more. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their love, especially Brazilians.
- Let’s talk a little more about Brazil. Have you ever been to the country? What do you consume from Brazilian culture?
I went two years ago to spend New Year’s Eve. I played with a colleague called Kaio Pantaleão, a defender from Botafogo, at Krasnodar, who invited me. My wife was pregnant. What I like most about Brazil is the barbecue, that meat with rice and beans (laughs). The beach, the weather, the people… when I went, everyone treated me very well. I want to go back, as we only stayed for a few days. I want to return to enjoy and learn more. I went to Copacabana Beach and we did a little training. What I saw of Brazil on television were the soap operas. At 9 o’clock at night, everyone sat down to watch. I think the name was “The Mutants”, one where people had powers.
- Have you ever thought about how you will be received after the World Cup?
I’ve tried to imagine it, but I think it will be a surprise for us. I told my colleagues that I’m a little anxious about this part, being close to our people and feeling that energy. It’s different being here playing and being in our country. I hope it is with lots of joy and celebration, which is what our people always represent.
- What message do you leave for Brazilians and Cape Verdeans?
Thank you very much for your enormous affection. God willing, we will get through the group stage and go far. We are rooting for you too, we are on this journey together. For Cape Verdeans: it’s a lot of emotion, it’s the first time, something new. At the same time, we have our feet on the ground, focused on making history and bringing joy to our people.
