‘I No Longer Have Privacy’ — Cape Verde World Cup Hero Vozinha Admits

Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha has opened up about the downside of his sudden rise to global fame following his outstanding performances at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The 40-year-old became one of the tournament’s breakout stars after helping Cape Verde hold eventual champions Spain to a goalless draw in their opening match. Vozinha produced seven saves in the encounter, earning widespread praise for his performance.

Cape Verde went on to make history by reaching the knockout stage on their World Cup debut before losing 3-2 to Argentina.

However, the attention that followed the tournament has dramatically changed Vozinha’s everyday life. Speaking to The Observer, the goalkeeper said he has lost much of the privacy and tranquillity he enjoyed before becoming internationally recognised.

“I’ve lost my peace and tranquillity. I no longer have any privacy, or at least much less than I used to,” he said.

Vozinha explained that ordinary activities such as visiting restaurants have become difficult because of the constant attention from fans.

“Now I go out, I go to a restaurant, and there’s always someone who wants to take a photo with me or asks me for an autograph. Or worse, someone’s filming me,” he said.

The goalkeeper said the situation has also affected his family, with fans reportedly visiting his mother’s home in Cape Verde.

His social media following has increased dramatically since the World Cup. Before the tournament, Vozinha had around 56,000 Instagram followers, but his following surged into the millions after his performance against Spain.

His displays also earned him a nomination for the 2026 Yashin Trophy, which recognises outstanding goalkeeping performances.

Despite the increased recognition and opportunities that have followed his World Cup campaign, Vozinha said he would choose his previous lifestyle if given the choice.

“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.

“To be honest, if I were offered the life I have today or the life I had before, I’d choose the one I had before.”

Vozinha has since moved from Portuguese club Chaves to Chilean side Colo-Colo as his international profile continues to grow.