Vozinha’s heroics as a goalkeeper for Cabo Verde against Spain caused a social media frenzy; overnight, 56,000 Instagram followers turned into 6.5 million
Vozinha, the goalkeeper for Cabo Verde, got well over six million new Instagram fans overnight after his great performance in his first World Cup game against Spain on Monday.
After a fantastic game against Spain, Vozinha, the goalie for Cabo Verde, went from having 56,000 followers on Instagram to having 6.3 million overnight. He is now the first 2026 FIFA World Cup star to go viral.
The goalkeeper, whose full name is Josimar Dias Vozinha and is 40 years old, had one of the best games of the tournament, helping Cabo Verde earn a wonderful 0-0 draw against tournament favorites Spain on Monday.
Vozinha was unbeatable for 90 minutes in Atlanta; that will never be forgotten.
Spain had the ball most of the time and took 27 shots, seven on target, but the veteran goalie stopped them all. Even when Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams, two big names from Spain, came off the bench, they couldn’t break down Cabo Verde’s defense.
Vozinha amazed with quick stops, flying saves, and a fantastic early block on Pedri. He also boldly blocked a few long-range shots as Spain got more and more frustrated.
After helping Cabo Verde get its first World Cup point in its history in its first event, the goalkeeper broke down in tears when the game was over.
As of now, the result was one of the biggest surprises at the World Cup. What happened off the field was just as intriguing.
A huge number of people started following him right after the match. After the game, his crowd went from 56,000 to 1 million in just a few minutes. It surpassed 6.3 million in a matter of hours and continues to rise.
He was named Player of the Match and praised by many in the football world for how well he played.
After the game, Vozinha thought about what he had done and felt upset.
He told the press, “I worked my whole life for this moment, this dream.”
“It’s an honor for me to stand up for the country I love.”
Vozinha was the oldest player to play in a World Cup match and the oldest goalie to keep a clean sheet in their first game in a FIFA World Cup. He also discussed the long journey that got him to the biggest stage in football.
“I’m 40 years old now, but I wasn’t working as a professional until I was 25.”
“This is the reward for the whole trip.”
