Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha became one of the biggest stories of the World Cup after producing a stunning performance in his country’s 0-0 draw with Spain.
The 40-year-old was mobbed by his teammates at full-time before breaking down in tears following Cape Verde’s World Cup opener.
Spain controlled much of Monday’s match and kept Cape Verde pinned inside their own half. However, Vozinha repeatedly came to his team’s rescue whenever the European champions broke through.
His performance earned him the Player of the Match award. The goalkeeper made several important saves near the end of the first half, denying Ferran Torres, Pedri and Aymeric Laporte.
Where Does Vozinha Play?
Vozinha currently plays for Chaves in Portugal’s second-tier football league.
He began his club career in Cape Verde with Batuque FC before moving to CS Mindelense.
The experienced goalkeeper has also represented Progresso in Angola, Zimbru Chisinau in Moldova, Gil Vicente in Portugal, AEL Limassol in Cyprus and AS Trencin in Slovakia.
The World Cup is the biggest stage Vozinha has reached during his long club career.
What Is Vozinha’s Real Name?
Vozinha’s real name is Josimar Jose Evora Dias. His nickname came from his grandparents, with “Vozinha” meaning “little granny” in Portuguese.
He spent much of his childhood with his grandparents because his father was in the military and his mother was working.
Vozinha, who comes from Sao Vicente in Cape Verde, has used the nickname on his shirt throughout his club career 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 earlier this year.
Why Did Vozinha Cry After Cape Verde vs Spain?
Vozinha became emotional after helping Cape Verde secure a draw against Spain on his World Cup debut.
“Very proud… It is an honour for me to represent my country,” he told reporters.
“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,” Vozinha added.
He also revealed that his mother was unable to attend the match because of visa difficulties.
“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.”
Vozinha Becomes a Viral World Cup Star
Vozinha’s performance quickly attracted worldwide attention.
His Instagram following reportedly increased from around 500,000 to nearly five million within hours of the final whistle against Spain.
French football star Paul Pogba also praised the Cape Verde goalkeeper on social media.
“The Cape Verde goalkeeper is really something, waaaaw,” Pogba wrote.
