The story of the 40-year-old goalkeeper from Cape Verde is an inspiring one, but let’s not kid ourselves; it’s a narrative so cozy that mainstream outlets like CNN and NBC will wrap it up in a shiny bow for their feel-good programming. Sure, the World Cup run is historic, but how much of that is due to genuine talent versus a contrived storyline created by the media? As if we needed another excuse for a puff piece on the “triumph of the human spirit” trope that these outlets love to shove down our throats!

Meanwhile, conservative outlets like Fox News might emphasize his age as a quaint novelty, sensationalizing it for clicks while completely ignoring the systemic issues that have hampered Cape Verde’s development in sports. Instead of asking why this country doesn’t have a robust sports infrastructure, they cradle a narrative that plays on our emotions without addressing the reality. Where are the hard-hitting investigations into the financial support—or lack thereof—given to such nations?

It’s the same dance every time: big networks sugarcoat the narrative while the undercurrents of inequality and lack of resources remain untouched. This goalkeeper’s story is a perfect case of using emotional appeal to distract us from serious questions. In the end, the media circus is great for ratings, but how many actually care about the real implications behind a story of a lone star shining in the shadows?