What's next for Cabo Verde's hero? Vozinha has a street named in his honor
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Reading Time: 2min | Fri. 26.06.26. | 20:03
The man who earned widespread popularity thanks to his outstanding performances continues to reap the rewards of his success
The Cabo Verde national team, representing an Atlantic archipelago of fewer than 500,000 people, has emerged as one of the biggest surprise packages of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America. After two matches, the Blue Sharks remain unbeaten, having held former world champions Spain to a 0-0 draw before earning a thrilling 2-2 result against Uruguay. They will now face Saudi Arabia at 3:00 a.m. on Saturday in a winner-takes-all clash for a place in the knockout stage.
Cabo Verde finds itself very alive in the World Cup after results against Spain and Uruguay, and could advance with a result today against Saudi Arabia.
— Charles Erb (@charlescerb) June 26, 2026
Vozinha (40) likely just needs to keep one more clean sheet for the Blue Sharks to move on.#BlueSharks #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/9oQYMl2PGc
The African side could even finish second in Group H, which would set up a Round of 32 meeting with reigning world champions Argentina. To make that happen, Cabo Verde must beat Saudi Arabia in Houston, while Uruguay must fail to defeat Spain by the same margin or a bigger one.
Whatever happens tonight, the team that has already made history. On their World Cup debut, they have collected two points—two more than most expected after the draw was made.
Pedro Leitao Brito's squad have already been hailed as national heroes back home. On Tuesday, goalkeeper Vozinha was even honored with a street named after him in Sao Miguel. The tribute was announced by Hermenio Fernandes, the mayor of Santiago Island, who praised the veteran shot-stopper for his "huge contribution to these historic draws" and for becoming "the most recognizable figure in Cabo Verdean sport."
A goalkeeper most of the world had never heard of two weeks ago…
— London Baithead (@londonbaithead) June 21, 2026
Now has his face painted across an entire street.
Cape Verde unveiled a giant mural in Praia in honour of Vozinha, real name Josimar José Évora Dias, after his heroic performance against Spain.
Seven saves. A… pic.twitter.com/E7GOK8qPHV
Josimar Dias, better known by his nickname Vozinha—a name given to him by his grandparents—is 40 years old and spent last season playing for Portuguese second-division side Chaves. Until the draw against Spain, he was virtually unknown outside his homeland. That changed overnight, as football fans from around the world began following him on social media.
Vozinha's Instagram following exploded into the millions almost instantly, and he now boasts more than 16.5 million followers.
WORLD CUP - GROUP STAGE (ROUND 3)
Group H
Saturday
03.00: (2.50) Cape Verde (3.30) Saudi Arabia (2.85)
03.00: (7.75) Uruguay (4.30) Spain (1.50)
***odds are subject to change***