Who is Vozinha, Cape Verde’s viral goalkeeper at the World Cup? | Sport
Cape Verde’s Vozinha Shines in World Cup Debut Against Spain
ATLANTA — Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha, known formally as Josimar Jose Evora Dias, drew emotional reactions on June 15 during the World Cup Group H match against Spain, which ended in a 0-0 draw. The 40-year-old player was celebrated by teammates after delivering a remarkable performance that prevented the European champions from scoring.
Throughout the match, Cape Verde faced intense pressure and was often confined to its defensive zone. Despite this, Vozinha’s timely interventions kept Spain at bay, making critical saves against players such as Ferran Torres, Pedri, and Aymeric Laporte. His efforts earned him the title of Player of the Match.
“Very proud… It is an honour for me to represent my country,” Vozinha said after the game, reflecting on his experience as one of the few representatives from the small island nation. “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.”
Originally from Sao Vicente, Cape Verde, Vozinha has garnered attention for his exceptional goalkeeping skills during his club career, which began at Batuque FC before moving to CS Mindelense. Currently, he plays for Chaves in Portugal’s second-tier league. His club journey has taken him across multiple countries, including Angola, Moldova, and Cyprus.
The name “Vozinha,” meaning “little granny” in Portuguese, was bestowed upon him by his grandparents. He adopted the moniker to distinguish himself from another player named Josimar upon his arrival in Angola.
With his standout performance, Vozinha’s social media following skyrocketed, increasing from approximately 500,000 to nearly 5 million within hours of the match. The goalkeeper received accolades beyond social media, with French football star Paul Pogba praising his performance.
Cape Verde, the third smallest nation to qualify for the World Cup, has been buoyed by Vozinha’s remarkable debut, making a significant mark on the global stage.
