Meet Vozinha, Cape Verde’s Goalkeeper and One of the Oldest Players at the World Cup

Josimar José Évora Dias, known as Vozinha, is one of Cape Verde’s most iconic players and will be among the team’s key figures as it makes its World Cup debut against Spain on Monday in Atlanta. At 40, he is also one of the oldest players in the 2026 tournament.

Vozinha’s full name honors Josimar Higino Pereira, a right back discovered by Botafogo who played at the 1986 World Cup. His nickname, however, has nothing to do with his age. He has explained that it dates back to his childhood on the island of São Vicente in Cape Verde and reflects the way he was raised. He grew up mainly with his grandparents because his father was serving in the military and his mother had to work. As a boy, he often played in the street against older children and took many blows, which helped shape his tough personality.

The match against Spain will be Vozinha’s 90th appearance for Cape Verde, making him the second-most capped player in the national team’s history, behind only Ryan Mendes, who has 96. He currently does not belong to any club after his contract with Portuguese side CD Chaves ended shortly before the World Cup began.

His career has taken him across several countries and clubs, including Progresso in Angola, Zimbru Chisinau in Moldova, AEL Limassol in Cyprus, AS Trenčín in Slovakia and Gil Vicente in Portugal. Despite that international journey, Vozinha is widely regarded as one of the most beloved players in Cape Verde.

He left Cape Verde only at age 25, turning professional when he signed for Progresso do Sambizanga in Angola. Six months later, he made his national team debut in a 2-0 win over Cameroon, a result that helped Cape Verde qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations for the first time in 2013.

Now, more than a decade later, Vozinha is set to finally play on football’s biggest stage. He will make his World Cup debut just one week after turning 40, adding another landmark to a remarkable career that has made him a symbol of Cape Verdean football.