•Cabo Verde’s goalkeeper Vozinha celebrates with his national flag after the match against Spain, yesterday
Cape Verde goalkeeper Josimar Dias, popularly known as Vozinha, captured global attention after his standout performance against Spain at the 2026 FIFA World Cup; his Instagram following skyrocketed to over 7.7 million within hours.
The 40-year-old shot-stopper delivered a heroic display in Cape Verde’s goalless draw against the highly ranked Spanish side, making seven crucial saves to earn the Player of the Match award, reports AFP.
His performance not only secured a historic point for his country but also turned him into an overnight internet sensation.
Here are things to know about Vozinha, Cape Verde’s goalkeeper:
Born on June 3, 1986, in Mindelo, on São Vicente Island, Vozinha has built a journeyman career across several countries, including Cape Verde, Angola, Moldova, Portugal, Cyprus, and Slovakia.
He currently plays for Portuguese club G.D. Chaves in Liga Portugal 2 and for the Cape Verde national team.
Vozinha began his professional journey with Batuque before moving to Mindelense and later securing a transfer to Progresso do Sambizanga in Angola.
His career has since taken him across Europe, featuring for clubs such as Zimbru Chișinău, Gil Vicente, AEL Limassol, and AS Trenčín.
On the international stage, Vozinha has been a key figure for Cape Verde since making his debut in 2012.
He is one of the most capped players in the nation’s history and has represented the Blue Sharks in multiple Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, including the 2013, 2015, 2021, and 2023 editions.
His appearance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup marked another milestone, as he became the oldest player to feature in his country’s debut match at the tournament.
He also joined the list of the oldest goalkeepers to keep a clean sheet in World Cup history.
Off the pitch, Vozinha’s story is equally compelling. Named after Brazilian footballer Josimar due to naming restrictions in Cape Verde, he later adopted the nickname “Vozinha,” given to him by his grandparents.
