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The Guardian World1 min read
Who is Vozinha, Cape Verde’s viral goalkeeper at the World Cup?
TL;DR
Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha, 40, received player of the match honors after a remarkable performance in a 0-0 draw against Spain in their World Cup opener. His emotional reaction and crucial saves highlighted his pivotal role in the game.
Key points
- Vozinha is a 40-year-old goalkeeper from Cape Verde.
- He played a crucial role in a 0-0 draw against Spain.
- Vozinha was named player of the match for his performance.
- He made several important saves during the game.
- His emotional reaction was captured after the match.
Mentioned in this story
Vozinha
Cape VerdeSpain
Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha broke down in tears at the end of the 0-0 draw with Spain after the 40-year-old was mobbed by his teammates following a stunning display as he denied the European champions victory in their World Cup opener.
Cape Verde were pinned back in their own half for much of Monday’s game, but whenever Spain broke through their dogged rearguard, Vozinha came to the rescue.
His heroics earned him the player of the match, pulling off a string of saves at the end of the first half to deny Ferran Torres, Pedri and Aymeric Laporte.
Here’s everything we know about the Cape Verde goalkeeper:
Cape Verde’s goalkeeper, Vozinha, celebrates at the end of the 2026 World Cup Group H match between Spain and Cape Verde at Atlanta Stadium on June 15, 2026 [AFP]
Where does Vozinha play?
Vozinha goalkeeps for Chaves in Portugal’s second-tier football league.
The World Cup is by far the biggest stage he has reached, but Vozinha began his club career at home with Batuque FC, before transferring to CS Mindelense.
The veteran player’s experience comes from the myriad clubs he has represented – from Progresso in Angola to Zimbru Chisinau in Moldova, Gil Vicente in Portugal, AEL Limassol in Cyprus and AS Trencin in Slovakia, before arriving at Chaves.
Is Vozinha his real name?
No, Vozinha is a moniker for Josimar Jose Evora Dias. It came from his grandparents, whom he spent most of his time with as his father was in the military and his mother was working. The name checks out, since it means “little granny” in Portuguese.
From his hometown of Sao Vicente in Cape Verde, Vozinha has been his jersey name throughout the nomadic club pilgrimage across Africa and Europe.
“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 in an interview earlier this year.
Q&A
What did Vozinha achieve in the World Cup match against Spain?
Vozinha was awarded player of the match for his outstanding performance, making crucial saves to secure a 0-0 draw.
How old is Vozinha, the Cape Verde goalkeeper?
Vozinha is 40 years old.
What was Vozinha's reaction after the match with Spain?
Vozinha broke down in tears and was mobbed by his teammates after the match.
Which players did Vozinha deny during the match against Spain?
He made key saves against Ferran Torres, Pedri, and Aymeric Laporte.
