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2026.06.16 12:59 GMT+8

'We work in life to have moments like this': Meet Cabo Verde's 40-year-old goalkeeper who stunned Spain

Updated 2026.06.16 12:59 GMT+8
CGTN

When the final whistle blew, the scoreboard read 0-0.

In the biggest upset of the 2026 FIFA World Cup so far, tournament debutants Cabo Verde held football powerhouse Spain to a goalless draw in Group H on Monday.  

At the heart of the historic result stood a man, Cabo Verde's 40-year-old goalkeeper Josimar Dias, who is also known as Vozinha. He produced a heroic performance, making seven crucial saves as Spain unleashed 27 shots throughout the match.  

Vozinha plays for Portuguese second division side Chaves. During his career, he has played for teams in Cabo Verde, Angola, Moldova, Portugal, Cyprus and Slovakia, according to ESPN. But at the age of 40, he starred in his nation's debut World Cup game.

"We work in life to have moments like this. I am 40 now but I was not a professional up until I was 25. This is a reward for all this journey," Vozinha said to The Athletic after the match

"I would tell 18-year-old Vozinha to be really proud of himself. He worked a lot. To be honest I never dreamed of stuff like this when I was a kid, but after this game I can tell my younger version that it was all worth it."

Millions of football fans rushed to the goalkeeper's social media account to express their respect and congratulations. Before the kickoff, his Instagram account had around 50,000 followers, but number has now surged past 4 million.

Cabo Verde's goalkeeper Vozinha celebrates with his national flag at the end of the 2026 World Cup Group H football match between Spain and Cabo Verde at the Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, June 15, 2026. (VCG)

Cabo Verde goalkeeper Vozinha touches the ball over the bar during the World Cup Group H soccer match between Spain and Cabo Verde in Atlanta, June 15, 2026. (VCG)

Cabo Verde's goalkeeper Vozinha (C) jumps to catch the ball in front of Spanish defender Aymeric Laporte (R) during the 2026 World Cup Group H football match between Spain and Cabo Verde at the Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, June 15, 2026. (VCG)

Vozinha of Cabo Verde is congratulated by his teammates during the FIFA World Cup Group H match between Spain and Cabo Verde at the Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, June 15, 2026. (VCG)

Cabo Verde's goalkeeper Vozinha (L) is congratulated by staff and teammates for his clean sheet at the end of the 2026 World Cup Group H football match between Spain and Cabo Verde at the Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, June 15, 2026. (VCG)

Vozinha of Cabo Verde celebrates after the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group H match between Spain and Cabo Verde at the Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, June 15, 2026. (VCG)

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