Who is Vozinha? Cape Verde's goalkeeper for historic draw vs Spain in FIFA World Cup 2026

The 40-year-old denied La Roja on multiple attempts.

The opening game of Group H took place at the Atlanta Stadium. The Spain national football team locked horns with the Cape Verde national football team in their first group stage game of the FIFA World Cup 2026.

The game started with La Roja establishing control all over the field. They continued to make multiple attempts on the goal, but the 40-year-old Cape Verde goalkeeper made sensational saves between the sticks and denied Spain’s every attempt on the goal.

Vozinha is the oldest goalkeeper to keep a clean sheet on his FIFA World Cup debut, making seven saves against Spain.

Vozinha looked the strongest player in Cape Verde’s lineup during their opening FIFA World Cup 2026 match against the European champions, Spain. The Blue Sharks were put under pressure on multiple occasions and in most of the situations, the 40-year-old stood strong and did not allow the ball to get through.

Vozinha Profile

• Age: 40
• Position: Goalkeeper
• Club: GD Chaves

Vozinho was born on June 3, 1986, in Mindelo, Cape Verde. He was mostly raised by his grandparents due to his father being a military man and his mother also being a working woman.

In his young days, Vozinho was one of the most talented goalkeepers in Cape Verde. He continued to impress scouts with his performances. The only thing that stopped him was his age. He was too young to join a youth academy. He then practised with the older boys in his neighbourhood to get better at the game.

He continued to develop without a professional academy system. His fortunes quickly changed once he was around 16 years old. Vozinho made his debut for the Cape Verde national football team in 2012 and since then has been a major part of the squad.

The Blue Sharks are now competing in their debut FIFA World Cup. The 40-year-old goalkeeper played an important role in their qualification.

In the opening game against Spain, he was surely on his top form. Vazinho made multiple saves and was a constant problem for La Roja.

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