From 43k to 1.8m: Cape Verde’s Vozinha’s Social Media Explosion After World Cup Heroics

Cape Verde’s veteran goalkeeper Josimar José Évora Dias, better known as Vozinha, delivered a performance for the ages in his FIFA World Cup debut against Spain.

At 40 years old, the shot-stopper produced seven crucial saves to keep the four-time champions at bay, earning Man of the Match honors and securing a hard-fought 0-0 draw for his team.

The result marked a milestone for Cape Verde, as Vozinha’s resilience and leadership inspired his teammates and captivated fans worldwide.

His heroics on the pitch translated into an extraordinary surge off it: his Instagram following skyrocketed from just 43,000 to more than 1.8 million overnight, making him one of the most talked-about figures of the tournament.

Speaking after the match, Vozinha expressed his pride in helping his country earn a valuable point. He acknowledged Spain’s strength but emphasized Cape Verde’s determination to continue working hard in the group stage.

‘We showed our spirit today, and we will keep fighting,’ he said.

Vozinha’s journey to this moment has been long and unique. His nickname, adopted years ago to avoid confusion with another Angolan goalkeeper, originated from his childhood spent living with his grandparents.