Who is Vozinha? Cape Verde's legendary 40-year-old goalkeeper who kept Spain at bay

FootballSports
16 Jun 2026 • 4:06 AM MYT
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At the age of 40, Cape Verde's goalkeeper has written himself in World Cup history with the best performance of his career against Spain.

Josimar Diaz Vozinha kept the Spaniards at bay as Cape Verde drew 0-0, making seven saves after facing 27 shots.

Depicting his nickname Vozinha on the back of his shirt, the 40-year-old plays in the second tier of Portuguese football with Chaves.

Speaking ahead of the tournament, he told Fifa: "The nickname is because of my grandparents.

"I never lived with my parents. When I was born, my father was in the military service and my mother had to work hard for something, so I always grew up with my grandparents."

His nickname was not known in his home country, but it is now being talked about globally.

He continued: "No one in Cape Verde knew me like that [by name], but I didn't like it at first, I went crazy.

"When I arrived in Angola, there was another goalkeeper named Josimar, and I said I am not going to put Josimar II on the shirt if everyone knew me as Vozinha in Cape Verde, that's what I would be."

Image from: Who is Vozinha? Cape Verde's legendary 40-year-old goalkeeper who kept Spain at bay
Vozinha | Source: GETTY

He first made his debut for Cape Verde 14 years ago, playing over 80 times.

Vozinha has featured at four African Cup of Nations with his teammates as they made their first World Cup appearance.

His performance tonight is one for the ages, being an absolute wall in the Cape Verde goal.

Vozinha was in tears at full-time, as he reflected on the best performance of his lengthy career.

Image from: Who is Vozinha? Cape Verde's legendary 40-year-old goalkeeper who kept Spain at bay
Vozinha | Source: GETTY

Next up for the underdogs is Uruguay on Sunday, who are in action later on against Saudi Arabia.

Cape Verde will conclude their group stages against Saudi Arabia on June 27.

They set up against Spain in a deep-lying five in midfield, making it incredibly difficult to be broken down.

Image from: Who is Vozinha? Cape Verde's legendary 40-year-old goalkeeper who kept Spain at bay
Vozinha | Source: GETTY

Spain started without their starboy Lamine Yamal, eventually having to come on off the bench, but could not make an impact.

Even with the introductions of Mikel Merino, Dani Olmo and Nico Williams, the Spaniards could not find a way past Vozinha.

An incredible performance by Vozinha on a night to remember for Cape Verde.

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