Vozinha’s Remarkable Journey in Football

Vozinha’s legendary status within Cape Verdean football has now captured international attention. His standout performance in the unexpected 0-0 draw against Spain in the 2026 World Cup highlights his skills. At 40 years old, Vozinha ranks as the second-oldest debutant in World Cup history and the oldest for a debuting team.

During the match, he earned the title of man of the match with seven important saves. His leadership qualities, marked by unwavering stability and calmness, contributed significantly to his team’s performance. Surrounded by emotions, he was embraced by his teammate Stopira, who came out of retirement to lend his experience to Cape Verde’s squad.

Vozinha was tearful post-game, recalling his grandparents who raised him and could not witness his success. His mother also faced challenges getting a visa to attend. His father named him in honor of Brazilian footballer Josimar following obstacles with registering the name Valdano. His nickname, ‘Vozinha’, means ‘Granny’ in Creole and is linked to his childhood days spent with his grandparents.

Starting his football journey on Sao Vicente Island, Vozinha faced initial setbacks due to his size. A late teenage growth spurt opened up more opportunities, eventually leading him to professional status in Angola with Progresso. His career expanded across Cyprus, Slovakia, Moldova, and Portugal, where he currently plays for Chaves.

Making his international debut in 2012, Vozinha now stands next to Ryan Mendes in terms of Cape Verde caps and shared appearances in four Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournaments and their current World Cup stint. Despite considering retirement after missing recent AFCON qualification, support from teammates kept him in the national fold, culminating in their historic World Cup performance.

The unexpected draw against Spain underscores the competitive potential of teams thought to be underdogs. Vozinha’s significant role in this achievement has elevated his public profile, with a surge of Instagram followers to over two million. Celebrating the victory, he expressed fulfillment from his career journey, reassuring his younger self of the value in perseverance and dedication.