Vozinha, Cape Verde’s 40-year-old goalkeeper, becomes World Cup sensation after Spain stalemate

From Sao Vicente in Cape Verde to the World Cup stage, Vozinha has carried the name that has defined his long club career.

Published On 16 Jun 202616 Jun 2026

Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha was overcome with emotion after a remarkable 0-0 draw against Spain, as the 40-year-old was embraced by his teammates following a standout performance that kept the European champions from winning their World Cup opener.

Cape Verde spent long periods defending deep on Monday, but every time Spain found a way through, Vozinha was there to deny them.

His performance earned him player-of-the-match honours after he produced a series of crucial saves before halftime to stop Ferran Torres, Pedri and Aymeric Laporte.

Here is what to know about the Cape Verde goalkeeper who captured global attention:

Where does Vozinha play?

Vozinha plays in goal for Chaves in Portugal’s second division.

The World Cup is by far the biggest stage he has reached. He began his club career at home with Batuque FC before moving to CS Mindelense.

His long career has taken him across Africa and Europe, with spells at Progresso in Angola, Zimbru Chisinau in Moldova, Gil Vicente in Portugal, AEL Limassol in Cyprus and AS Trencin in Slovakia before joining Chaves.

Is Vozinha his real name?

No. Vozinha is the nickname of Josimar Jose Evora Dias. It was given to him by his grandparents, with whom he spent much of his childhood while his father served in the military and his mother worked. The name fits: in Portuguese, it means “little granny.”

In Sao Vicente, Cape Verde, Vozinha became the name he used on his shirt throughout a club career that took him across several countries.

“When I arrived in Angola, there was another goalkeeper named Josimar, and I said, ‘I am not going to put Josimar II on the shirt’. If everyone knew me as Vozinha in Cape Verde, that’s what I would be,” he told FIFA earlier this year.

What did Vozinha say after the match?

The Cape Verde goalkeeper was moved to tears by his World Cup debut and the role he played in securing a historic draw.

“Very proud… It is an honour for me to represent my country,” Vozinha told reporters after the match, representing an island nation described as the third-smallest to qualify for a World Cup.

“I cried because I grew up with my grandparents and, unfortunately, they were not here; they died a few years before, and they did everything for me and my life,” he said.

He also spoke about his mother’s absence. “Also, my mum, she didn’t manage to be here because of the visa. The money for the visa, we didn’t manage on time, and I would like her to be here.”

Is Vozinha world-famous now?

His performance quickly turned him into one of the tournament’s breakout figures.

Vozinha’s Instagram following rose from about 500,000 to nearly 5 million within hours of the final whistle against Spain.

His composed, determined display on football’s biggest stage drew praise from around the sport. French football star Paul Pogba posted after the match: “The Cape Verde goalkeeper is really something, waaaaw.”

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