Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha says he would choose the quiet life he had before his remarkable 2026 FIFA World Cup performances, after becoming recognised almost everywhere he goes.
The 40-year-old became one of the tournament’s unexpected stars in June when his outstanding saves helped Cape Verde hold eventual champions Spain to a goalless draw on their World Cup debut.
That result secured the country’s first-ever point at the finals and quickly made Vozinha one of the most discussed goalkeepers in the competition. His social media following increased sharply as his profile grew, but he says the attention has come at the expense of his privacy and peace.
Vozinha had entered the tournament without a club after his contract with Portuguese second-tier side Chaves expired. Within weeks, he had moved from considering his next career step to becoming one of the most recognisable figures in Cape Verde’s historic campaign.
The island nation later pushed Argentina all the way in the round of 32 before losing 3-2 after extra time. Lionel Messi and the holders survived a major scare as Cape Verde’s run continued to attract worldwide attention.
Fame reaches Vozinha’s family
The goalkeeper’s new status has also affected his family. His mother became part of the World Cup story when Vozinha disclosed that she could not afford the visa fee needed to attend his historic debut.
US House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries later announced that the fee had been waived. However, the interest surrounding Vozinha did not disappear after the tournament.
He says supporters now visit his mother every day in an effort to speak to him or have photographs taken with him. The experience has made him reconsider the consequences of becoming famous and strengthened his preference for the privacy he enjoyed before the World Cup.
Despite his discomfort with the spotlight, Vozinha’s displays have brought recognition well beyond Cape Verde. He has been nominated for the Ballon d'Or, adding another notable achievement to a career that has taken him through club football in Slovakia, Angola, Moldova, Cyprus and Portugal.
The goalkeeper has also rejected the idea that Cape Verde’s success was his achievement alone. He believes the team’s World Cup run could have significance beyond football if the momentum created by the tournament is used effectively.
Club career revived
Vozinha’s performances have also helped restart his club career. After arriving in Qatar without a team because his Chaves contract had expired, he has now found a new club in Chile.
Colo Colo president Anibal Mosa said the 40-year-old goalkeeper had joined the club, giving Vozinha an opportunity to continue playing after a tournament that transformed his international profile.
Cape Verde have already secured their place in football history. With a population of around 525,000, the West African island nation became the second-smallest country ever to reach the World Cup finals.