Cape Verde Goalkeeper Vozinha Could Turn World Cup Fame into Big Earnings

Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha is emerging from the World Cup as an unlikely global name after earning man of the match honors in a 0-0 draw with Spain. He made seven major saves against the European champions, helping secure a historic point in one of the tournament’s biggest surprises in recent years.

The 40-year-old, who has spent recent years in smaller European leagues, reportedly surged from 50,000 to 5.5 million Instagram followers almost overnight. According to estimates, he earns only a modest salary in Portugal’s second division, worth several tens of thousands of euros a month.

That social media reach could now transform his income. Industry estimates say Vozinha may be able to charge more than $10,000 for a single Instagram post, meaning one sponsored post could match, or even exceed, what he earns in a month.

Vozinha will become a free agent when the World Cup ends, because his contract with Chaves in Portugal’s second division expires at the end of the season. He lost his starting place during the season, later won it back, and also regained the captain’s armband. Before Portugal, he played in Slovenia and Cyprus.