Cape Verde’s cult hero goalkeeper Vozinha (Josimar Dias) has opened up about the harsh reality of global stardom, admitting that his viral performance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup has completely cost him his personal peace and privacy.
The veteran shot-stopper became an overnight sensation after putting up a heroic seven-save performance to secure a historic 0-0 draw against Spain during Cape Verde’s tournament debut. A live campaign by Brazilian broadcaster CazéTV urged football fans worldwide to follow him on social media, exploding his Instagram following from 56,000 to over one million within hours—eventually surpassing 20 million followers by the end of the tournament.
However, speaking candidly in a recent interview, the 40-year-old expressed deep regret over his newfound celebrity status. “I’ve lost my peace and tranquillity,” Vozinha confessed. “I no longer have any privacy… Now I go out to a restaurant and there’s always someone who wants a photo, an autograph, or worse, someone is filming me. If I were offered the life I have today or the life I had before, I’d choose the one I had before”.
Vozinha, who moved to Chilean club Colo-Colo following his tournament heroics, revealed that fans now turn up at his mother’s home in Cape Verde daily. In response, he has turned down several commercial sponsorship offers, refusing to endorse tobacco, alcohol, or sports betting brands.
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