Cape Verde’s 40-Year-Old Goalkeeper Stands Between Spain and a Shock Result

Cape Verde, making its first-ever World Cup appearance, is holding Spain scoreless, and much of the credit goes to veteran goalkeeper Vozinha. The modest African side is on the verge of one of the tournament’s biggest surprises, with Vozinha central to its defensive success.

Vozinha turned 40 earlier this month and is one of the oldest players in the tournament. He is a national idol in Cape Verde, with 89 international appearances, the second-most in the team’s history. He first received a call-up in 2012, has played in four Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, and helped Cape Verde reach its first World Cup.

His club career has largely been spent at smaller teams. He started at Batuque and moved to Mindelense before leaving domestic football in Cape Verde. He later played for Progresso in Angola, Zimbru Chișinău in Moldova, AEL Limassol, Trenčín in Slovakia, and Gil Vicente before joining Chaves.

His real name is Josimar José Évora Dias. The nickname Vozinha came from his grandparents, with whom he grew up because his father was in military service and his mother worked to support the family. He adopted the name after leaving Cape Verde when another player at Progresso shared his original name. His first name also reflects a tribute by his father to a Botafogo right back who played for Brazil at the 1986 World Cup.