Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha has opened up about the difficulties that have come with his sudden rise to fame after the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The 40-year-old became one of the surprise stars of the tournament after producing a brilliant performance in Cape Verde’s historic 0-0 draw with eventual champions Spain in their opening group match.
Vozinha made several important saves during the game and quickly became a global name. His popularity also grew rapidly on social media. His Instagram following rose from about 56,000 to more than one million shortly after the match.
However, the veteran goalkeeper says the attention has changed his everyday life and reduced his privacy.
“I have lost my peace and my tranquillity. I no longer have any privacy or at least much less than before,” Vozinha said.
“Now I go out, I go to a restaurant, and there is always someone who wants to take a photo with me or asks for an autograph. Or, worse, someone is filming me.”
Vozinha said he had enjoyed a much quieter life before the World Cup while playing in Portugal’s second division with Chaves. His performances in the tournament changed that almost overnight.
The goalkeeper has since moved to Chile, where he now plays for Colo-Colo. He also continues to represent Cape Verde after initially considering international retirement following the World Cup.
Despite the opportunities that have come with his new status, Vozinha says fame has also shown him a side that many people do not see.
“A lot of people want to be famous and have a public profile, but they only see the positive side of that reality,” he said.
He added: “To be honest, if I were offered the life I have today or the one I had before, I would choose the one I had before.”
