The 40-year-old goalkeeper says he would choose his quieter life before the World Cup over the attention that followed his breakout performances.

Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha says his historic 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign transformed his life and made him an international star, but the sudden fame has come at the cost of the privacy and tranquility he once enjoyed.

The 40-year-old emerged as one of the tournament’s standout African players after producing seven saves against Spain as Cape Verde held the eventual world champions to a goalless draw in their World Cup debut.

Vozinha’s performances helped Cape Verde advance to the knockout stage before their historic campaign ended with a 3-2 extra-time defeat to Argentina.

Vozinha’s Social Media Following Surges After World Cup

Speaking to The Observer, Vozinha said his Instagram following stood at about 56,000 before his breakthrough on the global stage.

That figure surpassed one million during the Spain match and later climbed above 28 million as Cape Verde’s World Cup run attracted international attention.

His dramatically increased profile has also changed his daily life.

Vozinha said fans now regularly approach him for photographs and autographs when he goes out, while some supporters have even visited his mother in Cape Verde.

“I’ve lost my peace and tranquility,” he said, adding that if given a choice between his previous lifestyle and his newfound fame, he would choose his old life.

Cape Verde Goalkeeper Earns Yashin Trophy Nomination

Despite the personal challenges that have accompanied his rise to global prominence, Vozinha has embraced what Cape Verde achieved at its first World Cup.

His performances also earned him a nomination for the 2026 Yashin Trophy, which recognizes the world’s leading goalkeepers.

For Vozinha, Cape Verde’s success carries significance beyond football. He hopes the national team’s historic World Cup campaign will bring greater international attention to the island nation and encourage investment that can contribute to improving living conditions.

Cape Verde’s breakthrough tournament turned Vozinha into one of the country’s most recognizable sporting figures, even as he adjusts to a level of public attention he never experienced before the World Cup.