Cape Verde national team goalkeeper Vozinha (Josimar Dias) spoke about the other side of the fame he unexpectedly gained during the 2026 World Cup, affirming that his life has changed dramatically since his standout performance in the tournament.
اضافة اعلان
[Vozinha... the forty-year-old who makes glory and offers lessons to goalkeepers]
[He won't play with Messi... a surprising destination for Vozinha after his World Cup heroics]
Vozinha, 40, drew attention after making seven saves and keeping a clean sheet against Spain, in the match that ended in a goalless draw. His Instagram followers rose from around 50,000 before the tournament to more than 20 million in a short period.
The goalkeeper had been living a life relatively far from the spotlight before the tournament, playing in Portugal's second division for club Chaves, before his World Cup participation turned his life upside down. He finished the tournament with 18 saves and a save percentage of 78%.
Vozinha said he no longer enjoys the privacy he once had, explaining that when he goes out to restaurants or public places, people approach him to take photos or ask for his signature, while others film him without his permission.
He added that what has changed most in his life is losing his peace and quiet, noting that if he were given the choice between his current life and his life before fame, he would choose his previous one.
He also revealed that the sudden rise in his follower count was shocking to him, and that he had to turn off Instagram notifications so as not to become preoccupied with the growing numbers.
After the World Cup, Vozinha moved to Chile's Colo-Colo on a short-term contract. Despite the new fame and the commercial offers he's received, he said he currently doesn't wish to work with tobacco, alcohol, or betting companies.
Still, fame hasn't affected his desire to continue with the Cape Verde national team, as he reversed an earlier decision to retire from international football in order to continue playing for his country.
Resource: Al Ghad.
