“I’ve Lost My Peace And Tranquillity” – Cape Verde World Cup Hero Vozinha Opens Up On Sudden Fame

• Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha has opened up about the downside of his sudden global fame after his standout performance at the 2026 World Cup.
• The 40-year-old said his privacy has diminished significantly since his seven-save performance against Spain sent his Instagram following from about 56,000 to more than one million within hours.

Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha has revealed the downside of his overnight fame after becoming one of the breakout stars of the 2026 World Cup.

The 40-year-old shot-stopper attracted global attention after making seven saves in Cape Verde’s 0-0 draw against Spain in their opening World Cup match. His Instagram following subsequently surged from about 56,000 to more than one million within hours.

Speaking to The Observer, Vozinha admitted that the sudden attention has affected his personal life and reduced his privacy.

“I’ve lost my peace and tranquillity. I no longer have any privacy, or at least much less than I used to. 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 is filming me. That’s what has changed most in my life, and I don’t think there’s anything I can do about it.”

He recalled discovering just how quickly his popularity had grown after a member of the team’s catering staff told him he had gained “a billion followers.”

“A member of the team’s catering staff came up to me and told me I had a billion followers. I had no idea what he was talking about; I thought he was joking, but he insisted.”

He later discovered that his following had passed one million after a CazeTV journalist showed him the figure during interviews in the mixed zone.

Vozinha said he eventually switched off his Instagram notifications to avoid constantly checking his growing following.

“I decided to turn off my Instagram notifications so I wouldn’t be tempted to keep checking who was following me.”

The goalkeeper also disclosed that several companies were interested in working with him following his World Cup performance, but said he wanted to avoid certain industries.

“I know that during the World Cup there were lots of companies and brands that wanted to work with me, but while we were competing I only did one promotional collaboration, with UFL Mobile. I don’t know what offers might come in the future, but for now I don’t want to work with any tobacco, alcohol or betting brands.”

Despite the opportunities that have come with his new-found fame, Vozinha admitted that he misses his former life.

“A lot of people want to be famous and have a public profile, but they only see the positive side of that reality. 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.”