The Cape Verde goalkeeper, known as ‘Vozinha’, proved age is just a number as he scored seven goals and blocked every shot in a fantastic game against Spain to become the oldest player in World Cup history.
The World Cup is where potential heroes are born, and for Vozinha, whose real name is Josimar Diaz, life will never be the same. The Cape Verde goalkeeper saw a rocket on his Instagram account from his 50,000 followers ahead of the team’s first round match against Spain. up to 11.5 million and will be countedas of this writing. That’s because Diaz has captured the world’s attention by proving that athletes can still break records in their 40s.
Who is Vozinya and why is he trending around the world?
Diaz was given the nickname “Vozinha” by her grandparents when she was a child and roughly translates to “Little Grandma” in Portuguese. but there is nothing weak about a footballer who has reached football’s biggest stage. Diaz, who has played for Angola, Moldova, Portugal, Cyprus and Slovakia, was already a decorated player and finished second in international caps for his native Cape Verde.
Diaz, 40 years old and 6-foot-2 inches tall, decided to use Vozinha as his professional name to distinguish himself from another goalkeeper named Josimar. “I said, ‘I’m not going to put Josimari II on the shirt.'” He explained in an earlier interview. “If everyone knew me as Vozinha in Cape Verde, that’s what I would be.”
Wozniak’s historic performance against Spain explained
Diaz’s story of 40 years of World Cup history is a reminder that we can all strive to reach our potential. Indeed, personal records are not kept for young people. Spain were one of the tournament favourites, but they left Atlanta with a 0-0 draw thanks to seven saves from Vozinha. Cape Verde was one of the smallest countries participating in the 2026 World Cup able to score a point in the first World Cup thanks to an epic team effort.
Vozinha commented on the horrific turn of events via Instagram; “Dreams come true! Representing Cape Verde on the world’s biggest football stage is an indescribable honor. Speechless … only pride, gratitude and responsibility.”
Cape Verde’s next World Cup match will be against Uruguay on June 21.
To follow Vozinha on Instagram, Click here.
