Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha says his life has changed dramatically since his breakout performances at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, admitting his newfound fame has taken away some of the simple things he once enjoyed.
The 40-year-old emerged as one of the tournament’s surprise stars after producing a series of impressive displays, beginning with a clean sheet in Cape Verde’s shock goalless draw against Spain.
He followed with standout performances against Uruguay and Saudi Arabia before Cape Verde’s historic campaign ended with an extra-time defeat to Argentina in the Round of 32.
His displays earned global attention, with his Instagram following rising from about 50,000 before the tournament to more than 27 million.
Speaking to CBS News, Vozinha said the attention had transformed his everyday life.
He said: “I’m very grateful and very happy for everything that happened in my life. I never expected any of this. It’s been crazy, insane.”
The veteran goalkeeper added: “Football has always allowed me to be around people, but this level of recognition is something I never imagined.”
Reflecting on life in his home country, he said: “In Cape Verde, we love welcoming people. We can cook outside our homes and eat together in the street. Now I can’t always do that anymore.”
Despite losing some of his privacy, Vozinha believes the World Cup has brought lasting benefits to Cape Verde.
He said: “I’m happy because before, whenever we said we were from Cape Verde, people would ask, ‘Where is that?’ Now they know our country. I think that’s the best thing that could happen.”
Away from international football, the goalkeeper is preparing for the next stage of his career after leaving Portuguese second-tier club Chaves following the expiration of his contract.
Rather than pursuing commercial opportunities created by his rise in popularity, Vozinha said he remains focused on continuing his playing career.
He said: “I want to keep playing for at least another one or two years, depending on how my body feels.”
He added: “I hope I can find a club that wants me because I’m a football player, not because I’m a marketing person.”
Vozinha also expressed hope that Cape Verde’s memorable World Cup campaign would create opportunities for future generations.
He said: “There has always been talent in Cape Verde, but players rarely had the opportunity to go to Europe or be seen by bigger clubs.”
He concluded: “Now everybody is watching.”
