Vozinha, the goalkeeper who stopped Spain's World Cup attack

Cabo Verde's goalkeeper Josimar José Éora Díaz, widely known as Vozinha, became the unexpected hero in his team's 2026 World Cup debut against Spain. The 40-year-old veteran delivered a stellar performance, repelling every Spanish attack and securing a remarkable 0-0 draw. His saves prevented Spain from scoring, defying expectations and etching his name in his country's World Cup history.

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My father wanted to call me Valdano, after the Argentine striker Jorge Valdano, from Real Madrid. But the authorities did not allow it.

According to Sofascore data, Vozinha made seven crucial saves, denying Spain what seemed like a certain victory. The match, theoretically favoring Spain, saw Vozinha's exceptional goalkeeping skills take center stage. Post-match, his emotional reaction revealed the deep personal and national significance of the achievement, with tears of joy marking his historic participation.

Vozinha's journey to this moment is marked by a long and varied career. His nickname, 'Vozinha,' meaning 'little grandmother,' was suggested by his grandparents, a contrast to his father's wish to name him after Argentine striker Jorge Valdano. His professional career began in Angola before moving to Europe, playing for clubs such as Zimbru in Moldova, Gil Vicente in Portugal, AEL Limassol in Cyprus, and AS Trencin in Slovakia. He currently plays for Chaves in the Portuguese second division.

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I think it was the most important moment of our lives.

With 91 caps for Cabo Verde and participation in four Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, Vozinha has been a consistent figure for his national team, recently captaining them to their historic World Cup qualification. He described the qualification as "the most important moment of our lives" and a "unique moment, a dream of several generations." His performance against Spain underscores the culmination of that lifelong aspiration.

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And also of the Cape Verdean people, because it was a unique moment, a dream of several generations, who once played or started playing football. We always believed it would be our turn.