Vozinha: The 40-Year-Old Cape Verde Goalkeeper Who Stunned Spain in the World Cup

In a stunning twist at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Cape Verde’s goalkeeper Josimar José Évora Dias, known as Vozinha, emerged as a key figure by helping his team secure a surprising goalless draw against Spain. This unexpected result marked a historic moment for the 'Blue Sharks' and put this 40-year-old veteran firmly in the spotlight.

A Childhood Nickname with Deep Roots

The name "Vozinha," meaning "little grandmother" in Portuguese, is far from typical for a professional footballer. It traces back to his upbringing on the island of São Vicente, where he was raised by his grandparents while his parents worked hard to support the family. His nickname reflects this personal history rather than his age or playing style.

"The nickname comes from my grandparents. I never lived with my parents; when I was born, my father was in the army and my mother worked every day. I grew up with my grandparents," Vozinha shared in an interview with FIFA.

Growing up among older kids, he developed a fierce competitive edge early on, often clashing with peers and returning home frustrated, earning the teasing label that stuck with him throughout his career.

From Josimar to Vozinha

Initially, he used his given name Josimar as a nod to the famous Brazilian full-back of the 1986 World Cup. However, after moving to Angola and encountering another goalkeeper named Josimar, confusion led him to reclaim his childhood nickname professionally. That choice transformed "Vozinha" from a family joke into his official football identity.

A Long Journey Through European Football

Before his World Cup moment, Vozinha built a steady career across Europe, playing for clubs like Zimbru Chișinău in Moldova, AEL Limassol in Cyprus, AS Trenčín in Slovakia, and Gil Vicente and CD Chaves in Portugal. Joining CD Chaves in 2024, he replaced Brazilian keeper Hugo Souza and kept going strong despite being in the twilight years of his career.

A Historic Performance Against Spain

At 40, Vozinha delivered an outstanding display of goalkeeping that frustrated the Spanish offense repeatedly. His reflexes and leadership on the field were central to Cape Verde earning their first-ever point in a World Cup tournament. While his nickname suggests gentleness, his performance was anything but, showing he can still compete at the highest level.