Vozinha: The 40-Year-Old Cape Verde Goalkeeper Who Stunned Spain in Their World Cup Debut
Cape Verde's journey in the 2026 FIFA World Cup began with a surprising and historic moment. The 'Blue Sharks' managed a goalless draw against Spain, a favorite for the title, marking one of the tournament’s biggest upsets.
This remarkable outcome is closely linked to the efforts of Josimar José Évora Dias, better known as Vozinha, the veteran goalkeeper aged 40 who stood tall throughout the match. His nickname, meaning "little grandmother" in Portuguese, might seem unusual for an athlete, but it carries deep personal significance from his childhood.
From São Vicente Streets to Global Stage
Vozinha’s nickname isn’t related to his age or playing style. It originated during his youth on the island of São Vicente, where he was mostly raised by his grandparents while his parents worked hard to provide for the family. In an interview with FIFA, he explained, "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."
Growing up, he played alongside older kids and developed a fierce competitive spirit. "I was very good with my feet, very competitive, and hated losing. When I got hit and couldn’t fight back, I’d go home upset. Other kids teased me, saying I’d tell my grandparents," he recalled. That teasing eventually became his identity on the field.
A Name Change and a Nod to Brazilian Football
Early in his career, Josimar used his birth name, a tribute to the famous Brazilian defender Josimar from the 1986 World Cup. Yet, upon moving to Angolan football, he encountered confusion with another goalkeeper sharing the same name. This led him to embrace his childhood nickname professionally. Since then, Vozinha has been his footballing persona.
A Career Marked by Persistence
Before gaining worldwide attention, Vozinha forged a lengthy career across several European clubs including Zimbru Chișinău (Moldova), AEL Limassol (Cyprus), AS Trenčín (Slovakia), Gil Vicente (Portugal), and CD Chaves (Portugal). He joined Chaves in 2024 to replace the Brazilian keeper Hugo Souza, proving that age did not slow his ambitions.
At 40, the goalkeeper delivered a performance packed with crucial saves that frustrated Spain’s forwards repeatedly. His efforts secured Cape Verde’s first ever point in a World Cup, a milestone in the nation’s football history.
Though his nickname means "little grandmother," Vozinha showed sharp reflexes and resilience against one of the world’s top teams, proving he can still compete at the highest level.
