Cape Verde GK Vozinha seeks new club after World Cup, considers Brazil

Vozinha, the standout goalkeeper from Cape Verde, is seeking a new club following his impressive performances in the FIFA World Cup 2026.

At 40 years old, Vozinha’s contract with the Portuguese second-division club Chaves has expired. He is eager to continue his career and is open to opportunities, including a potential move to Brazil, where he gained immense popularity on social media.

In an interview with Brazilian journalist Daniel Braune, Vozinha reflected on his rising fame. His exceptional play during Cape Verde’s tournament matches captivated football fans, especially after a notable 0-0 draw against European champions Spain on June 15.

Cape Verde’s surprising 2-2 draw against Uruguay, a strong team from South America, further solidified his status in the football community.

“I ended my contract with my previous club, Deportivo Chaves, and I’m open to everything. Let’s see what comes up,” Vozinha stated. He expressed his interest in Brazil, where another influencer, Cazé, significantly boosted his Instagram following from approximately 50,000 to nearly 16 million.

“It would be good,” he said with a smile during the interview on Braune’s YouTube channel. Vozinha is excited about the possibility of visiting Brazil to thank his fans. “I think many of my teammates want to go as well,” he added.

He previously spent time in Brazil when his former club, Progresso do Sambizanga from Angola, held preseason training there. Growing up, he admired several legendary goalkeepers, including Belgium’s Michel Preud’homme, the Netherlands’ Edwin van der Sar, and Italy’s Gianluigi Buffon.

Vozinha’s current aspiration is helping Cape Verde advance past the group stage in the tournament. A victory against Saudi Arabia on Friday in Houston would secure a position in the round of 32 for the island nation with a population of about half a million.

“My dream, and the dream of all Cape Verdeans, is to reach the next round,” Vozinha proclaimed. “It’s huge just to be in the World Cup, and progressing when many believed we wouldn’t even earn a point would be extraordinary.”