Vozinha went into Monday’s World Cup opener as one of the least-known goalkeepers at the tournament.
By the time the final whistle sounded in Atlanta, he had gained nearly two million Instagram followers and become one of the most talked-about figures at the 2026 World Cup.
The 40-year-old Cape Verde goalkeeper, who broke down in tears after the game and revealed his mom could not travel to the US due to “visa issues”, made seven saves as his nation held Spain to a 0-0 draw in their first-ever World Cup match at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, a result that sent shockwaves through a tournament in which Spain had entered as one of the favorites to lift the trophy. It comes after another big upset threw the United States’ group wide open.
Cape Verde are ranked 67th in the world. Spain are second. The gap in expectation was reflected in the betting markets, where Spain were listed at -1500 favorites heading into the game.
None of that mattered for 90 minutes. Vozinha was outstanding, repeatedly denying a Spanish attack that generated 27 shots, seven on target and 2.29 expected goals. He saved everything that counted.
The moment that perhaps best encapsulated his performance came in the 39th minute.
Vozinha made seven saves against the Spanish(Image: AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
Spain played into the box, Ferran Torres struck the crossbar, and as the ball dropped in a scramble in front of goal, Vozinha hopped back to his feet and pushed Mikel Oyarzabal’s follow-up over the bar with a fingertip.
When the final whistle sounded he broke down completely. His eyes were still red when he arrived at the post-match press conference, holding his Player of the Match trophy.
He explained that he wept for his grandparents, who had raised him and were not alive to see the moment, and for his mother, who had been unable to attend because the visa fees had proven too expensive to arrange in time.
The 40-year-old was named Man of the Match in Atlanta(Image: Maddie Meyer – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
“I cry because I grew up with my grandparents, and unfortunately, they are not here,” he said. “And also because of my mom. She didn’t manage to be here because of the money we have to pay for the visa. We didn’t manage on time. I would like her to be here, but I’m very happy for all the Cabo Verdeans.”
Born Josimar José Évora Dias, Vozinha earned his nickname from his grandparents, which roughly translates to “voice,” and it followed him through a career that took him to clubs in Angola, Moldova, Cyprus, Slovakia and Portugal before arriving at the world’s biggest stage.
At 40, his seven saves on Monday were the second-most by a goalkeeper of that age or older in a single World Cup match since 1966.
Cape Verde coach Bubista described the tears as “a cry of resilience.” His next match is against Uruguay on Sunday in Miami.