The veteran goalkeeper capped a fairytale tournament by earning a place in FIFA’s fan-voted Team of the Tournament ahead of Golden Glove winner Unai Simón.
Praia, Cape Verde (Running Africa) — Cape Verde goalkeeper Josimar “Vozinha” Dias has been named in the FIFA fan-voted 2026 FIFA World Cup Dream XI, becoming the only African player selected in the prestigious Team of the Tournament following a historic campaign that captured the imagination of football fans around the world.
The 40-year-old shot-stopper’s selection caps one of the most inspiring stories of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, transforming him from a little-known goalkeeper into one of the tournament’s biggest breakout stars.
Historic World Cup Run Captures Global Attention
Heading into Cape Verde’s maiden FIFA World Cup appearance, Vozinha was relatively unknown outside African football, having played for the Portuguese second-division club Chaves.
However, his heroic performances between the posts quickly made him a fan favorite as Cape Verde exceeded expectations during its historic tournament debut.
His World Cup journey began with an outstanding display against eventual champions Spain, producing seven crucial saves to earn a memorable 0-0 draw. He followed that performance with another impressive outing in a 2-2 draw against Uruguay, helping Cape Verde earn global recognition for its fearless performances on football’s biggest stage.
Cape Verde’s remarkable campaign eventually ended in the Round of 32 after a thrilling 3-2 defeat to Argentina, but Vozinha’s performances remained one of the defining stories of the tournament.
From 50,000 to 15 Million Followers
Vozinha’s remarkable displays resonated far beyond the pitch.
His popularity exploded throughout the tournament, with his social media following growing from approximately 50,000 before the World Cup to more than 15 million followers by the end of the group stage.
The surge reflected the admiration of football fans worldwide, many of whom embraced the veteran goalkeeper as one of the tournament’s most inspirational figures.
Selected Ahead of Golden Glove Winner
Vozinha’s inclusion in the FIFA World Cup Dream XI is particularly significant as he was selected ahead of Spain goalkeeper Unai Simón, who won the tournament’s Golden Glove award.
His place in the fan-voted team underscores the lasting impression he made despite Cape Verde’s early exit.
The Dream XI also features some of the world’s football’s biggest stars, including:
- Lionel Messi (Argentina)
- Kylian Mbappé (France)
- Erling Haaland (Norway)
- Jude Bellingham (England)
- Michael Olise (France)
- Rodri, Pedro Porro, and Marc Cucurella (Spain)
- Lisandro Martínez (Argentina)
- Dayot Upamecano (France)
A Landmark Moment for Cape Verde Football
Vozinha’s recognition marks another historic milestone for Cape Verdean football, highlighting the nation’s growing presence on the global stage following its memorable World Cup debut.
As the only African player selected in FIFA’s 2026 World Cup Dream XI, the veteran goalkeeper not only earned worldwide recognition for his individual performances but also showcased the rising quality and competitiveness of African football on the sport’s biggest stage.
