‘I can’t do some things anymore’ - Cape Verde’s Vozinha on life after World Cup

Cape Verde's World Cup sensation, goalkeeper Vozinha, finds his life dramatically altered by newfound global fame. The 40-year-old, who became a surprise star with his exceptional saves, including a clean sheet against Spain, has seen his Instagram following explode from around 50,000 to over 27 million.

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I’m very grateful and very happy for everything that happened in my life. I never expected any of this. It’s been crazy, insane.

Vozinha described the experience as "crazy, insane," noting that while he loves his country's welcoming culture, the intense recognition now limits his ability to engage in simple activities like eating outdoors with neighbors. "Now I can’t always do that anymore," he told CBS News.

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In Cape Verde, we love welcoming people. We can cook outside our homes and eat together in the street. Now I can’t always do that anymore.

Despite the personal adjustments, Vozinha believes the attention has been a significant boost for his nation. "Now they know our country. I think that’s the best thing that could happen," he said, reflecting on a time when Cape Verde was often unknown to outsiders.

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I’m happy because before, whenever we said we were from Cape Verde, people would ask, ‘Where is that?’ Now they know our country. I think that’s the best thing that could happen.

Looking ahead, Vozinha, who left Portuguese club Chaves, seeks one final playing challenge for at least another year or two, prioritizing his footballing ability over commercial appeal. He also expressed hope that Cape Verde's memorable World Cup run will pave the way for more young talent from the island nation to gain opportunities with European clubs.

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I want to keep playing for at least another one or two years, depending on how my body feels. I hope I can find a club that wants me because I’m a football player, not because I’m a marketing person.