World Cup star Vozinha sees Instagram following explode overnight
Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha delivered a stunning performance against Spain at the World Cup, turning himself into an overnight social media sensation.
Editor’s note: Follow along for updates from the Cape Verde vs. Argentina round of 32 at the 2026 World Cup.
ATLANTA ― Cape Verde goalkeeper, Vozinha, introduced himself to the World Cup stage with a bang.
In its opening match on June 15, Cape Verde, the third-smallest country to ever qualify for the World Cup, held favorite Spain to a scoreless draw in front of an announced crowd of 67,640 people at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
The match brought global attention to the nation, but it also put a spotlight on its goalkeeper, who had a brilliant seven-save performance. On Friday, Cape Verde and Vonzinha’s World Cup journey continues against Argentina for a chance to play in the round of 16.
Here’s what you need to know about Cape Verde’s World Cup breakout star:
Who is Vozinha, Cape Verde’s goalkeeper?
Vozinha (Josimar Dias) is a 40-year-old goalkeeper who has been with the Cape Verde national team since 2012. Outside of his time with the national team, Vozinha’s had stints with Chaves, a Portuguese professional football club in Liga Portugal 2, and with clubs in Angola, Moldova, Portugal and Cyprus.
Vozinha also played in the Africa Cup of Nations in 2013, 2015, 2021 and 2023.
Why did Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha go viral?
Vozinha had a breakout game against World Cup favorite Spain. La Roja had 27 attempts against Cape Verde. Seven of them were on target. Vozinha saved every one of those on-target attempts. His outstanding performance helped Cape Verde to maintain a 0-0 draw and secure a group stage point. Following the match, Vozinha openly wept.
“I cry because I (grew) up with my grandparents, and unfortunately, they are not here. They died a few years before, and they (were) everything, everything for me,” Vozinha 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 (for her) to be here, but I’m very happy also, and I’m very happy for all the Cabo Verdeans.”
The 40-year-old also went from 50,000 Instagram followers pre-match to more than two million within two hours and more than 17 million followers as the World Cup has gone on.
Vozinha’s mom travels to U.S. to see him play in World Cup
Vozinha’s story caught the attention of House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.
Jeffries asked Secretary of State Marco Rubio for his assistance in getting Vozinha’s mother to his next match in Miami on June 21. The Cape Verde goalkeeper’s wish was granted. His mom made it to Miami in time to watch him play against Uruguay.
Vozinha’s mom was also in the stands on June 26, when Cape Verde played Saudi Arabia.
