Cabo Verde goalkeeper Vozinha has become one of the first breakout stars of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a remarkable performance against Spain turned him into an overnight global sensation.
The 40-year-old shot-stopper, whose full name is Josimar José Évora Dias, helped World Cup debutants Cabo Verde earn a stunning 0-0 draw against heavily favored Spain on Monday, producing seven saves and repeatedly denying one of football’s most dangerous attacks.
His display earned him Player of the Match honors and widespread praise across the football world.
But the attention did not stop on the pitch.
Within hours of the final whistle, Vozinha’s Instagram following exploded from roughly 46,000 to several million, reaching 5.7 million as of the time of this report.
Brazilian football audiences are among those credited with helping drive the surge online.
An emotional Vozinha reflected on the moment afterward.
“I worked all my life for this, for this moment, for this dream,” he said in a post-match interview.
“For me, it’s an honour to represent the country I love.”
Vozinha, the oldest player to make his debut in a World Cup match and the oldest goalkeeper to ever keep a clean sheet on his FIFA World Cup debut, reflected on his journey.
"I am 40 now, but I was not a professional up until I was 25.
"This is a reward for all this journey.”
Spain controlled possession and created 27 attempts but could not find a way past the goalkeeper and Cabo Verde’s disciplined defense.
The result delivered Cabo Verde’s first-ever point at a FIFA World Cup and instantly made Vozinha one of the faces of the tournament.
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