The 40-year-old goalkeeper is among 10 contenders for the award after helping Cape Verde reach the World Cup knockout stage for the first time.
Cape Verde (Running Africa) — Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha has been nominated for the 2026 Yashin Trophy following an outstanding World Cup campaign that helped propel the island nation onto football’s global stage.
The 40-year-old is among 10 goalkeepers shortlisted for the prestigious award, which recognizes the best goalkeeper in world football.
Vozinha joins a field that includes Real Madrid’s Thibaut Courtois, Arsenal’s David Raya, Barcelona’s Joan García and Paris Saint-Germain’s Matvey Safonov, among others.
Vozinha Rewarded After Cape Verde World Cup Run
Vozinha emerged as one of Cape Verde’s standout performers as the Blue Sharks advanced beyond the World Cup group stage for the first time.
His performance against eventual champions Spain was among the highlights of the tournament.
The veteran goalkeeper made seven saves as Cape Verde held Spain to a goalless draw, delivering one of the defining performances of the country’s historic World Cup campaign.
The 2026 shortlist marks Vozinha’s first Yashin Trophy nomination.
Africa Lands Three Goalkeepers on Yashin Trophy Shortlist
Vozinha is one of three African goalkeepers nominated for this year’s award.
Morocco’s Yassine Bounou and Senegal’s Édouard Mendy are also among the contenders, giving Africa significant representation on the 10-player shortlist.
Reigning Yashin Trophy winner Gianluigi Donnarumma, meanwhile, was not included among the 2026 nominees.
Vozinha Continues Career at Colo-Colo
At club level, Vozinha spent the 2025–26 season with Portuguese side Chaves before moving to Chilean club Colo-Colo following the World Cup.
His Yashin Trophy nomination adds another milestone to a career that has now extended well beyond his 40th birthday and comes after his performances helped Cape Verde achieve its best World Cup result.
The 2026 Yashin Trophy winner will be announced during the Ballon d’Or ceremony at London’s Palladium Theatre on October 26.
For Vozinha and Cape Verde, the nomination provides further recognition of a World Cup campaign that established the Blue Sharks — and their veteran goalkeeper — on football’s biggest stage.
