One match made Vozinha recognizable to more than a million people. The Cape Verde goalkeeper would gladly trade some of that attention for the quiet he enjoyed before the 2026 World Cup.
Vozinha, whose full name is Josimar José Évora Dias, made seven saves as Cape Verde held Spain, the eventual champion, to a scoreless draw in its opening game. Brazilian broadcaster CazéTV urged viewers to follow him on Instagram. His following rose from 56,000 before kickoff to more than one million after the match.
A catering staffer told him about the surge first, but Vozinha thought it was a joke. A CazéTV journalist later showed him the number on her phone.
🚨🗣️ 𝗡𝗘𝗪: Vozinha admits his life has completely changed VERY NEGITAVELY since becoming one of the revelations of the 2026 World Cup. 😢
“I have LOST my peace and tranquillity. I don’t have privacy anymore, or at least much less than before.”
“Now when I go out or go to a… pic.twitter.com/uGQOqQB5p7
— The Touchline | 𝐓 (@TouchlineX) September 27, 2026
Vozinha would choose life before World Cup fame
Article Continues BelowThe 40-year-old told The Observer that ordinary outings now bring requests for photos and autographs. Sometimes, people film him.
“I've lost my peace and tranquillity,” he said. “I no longer have any privacy, or at least much less than I used to.”
Before the tournament, he played for Chaves in Portugal’s second division and could go about his day with far less attention. Asked which life he would choose, Vozinha did not hesitate: “I’d choose the one I had before.”
That answer has not dimmed his interest in playing. He had planned to retire from international competition after the World Cup, but he remains with Cape Verde as the team prepares for 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying.
His name also appears among 10 nominees for the world’s best goalkeeper ahead of the Ballon d’Or ceremony. Vozinha called the recognition “unthinkable” and said making the list was already an honor.