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Cape Verde goalkeeper Josimar Jose Evora Dias, better known as Vozinha, became one of the standout players of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. During the tournament, his social media following jumped from about 46,000 to over 20 million.
The 40-year-old helped Cape Verde, the smallest nation ever to qualify for a World Cup, go further than anyone expected. The team was eventually knocked out by Argentina 3-2 in the round of 16.
Vozinha made 18 saves during the tournament, including eight against Argentina, putting him among the top goalkeepers for saves in a single World Cup by someone aged 40 or older.
Opta data shows that only Peter Shilton, with 28 saves for England in the 1990 World Cup, and Dino Zoff, with 27 saves for Italy in 1982, made more saves among goalkeepers aged 40 or older. Vozinha’s 18 saves put him third on this list.
Vozinha has played for Cape Verde’s national team since 2012 and has made 92 appearances. His contract with the Portuguese second-division club Chaves ended earlier this week, so he is now a free agent.
Vozinha started the tournament with about 50,000 Instagram followers. After his standout performance in a scoreless draw against Spain on June 15, which the BBC called one of the tournament’s biggest upsets, his followers jumped to over 7 million within hours, helped by a Brazilian broadcaster’s on-air support.
By the end of the tournament, he had more than 20 million followers, surpassing NFL stars like Tom Brady and Patrick Mahomes.
Sports agent Leigh Steinberg, who represents NFL quarterback Patrick Mahomes, told MarketWatch that big international tournaments can turn little-known athletes into global stars almost overnight, much like past Olympic breakout athletes.
Apex Marketing estimates that Vozinha generated about $17.7 million in brand value from social media, broadcast, and print coverage between June 15 and June 23.
Vozinha was born on the island of Sao Vicente and did not become a professional player until he was 25. He said his height had limited his chances, even though he played well as a youth. His nickname, which means "granny" in Creole, came from childhood teasing when he would go home to his grandparents after playing street football.
After Cape Verde’s draw with Spain, he said the moment was personally meaningful. His grandparents, who raised him, had passed away before he reached the World Cup, and his mother could not attend the tournament because of a visa issue.
Now a free agent, Vozinha has said he is open to offers from clubs abroad, including in Brazil. Reports suggest he could see a big financial boost thanks to his new fame.
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