Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha became a global sensation at the 2026 World Cup. But the fame that followed has brought unexpected challenges.

The 40-year-old shot-stopper is now struggling to settle at Chilean club Colo Colo. Despite his remarkable performances on the world stage, he has made only a handful of appearances since joining the club in July.

His rise has been dramatic. Before the tournament, he was a journeyman goalkeeper whose career had taken him through Portugal, Cyprus and Slovakia. Now, he has millions of followers, international sponsorship deals and little privacy.

World Cup Hero Becomes Global Star

Vozinha, whose full name is Josimar Jose Evora Dias, helped Cape Verde make history at their first World Cup. The island nation held eventual champions Spain to a goalless draw in its opening match. It later reached the last 32, where it pushed Lionel Messi's Argentina into extra time before being eliminated.

His performance against Spain changed his life. Before the match, Vozinha had about 50,000 Instagram followers. That figure rose to millions within hours. His account now has approximately 27.5 million followers.

The goalkeeper was overcome with emotion after the draw. His tears reflected both the achievement and the disappointment of having his mother miss the occasion.

She had been unable to obtain a visa to attend the match.

A Hero's Welcome in Chile

Vozinha arrived at Colo Colo in July, joining one of Chile's most successful football clubs.

His unveiling at the Estadio Monumental was a major event. Thousands of supporters welcomed him as fireworks lit up the stadium. His profile has also attracted major commercial opportunities. Brands including Adidas, Pepsi and Red Bull have brought him into advertising campaigns.

He was also invited to the Ballon d'Or ceremony in London. There, he reportedly finished sixth in the voting for the men's goalkeeper of the year award. Yet his experience on the pitch has been less spectacular.

Limited Playing Time at Colo Colo

Despite the excitement surrounding his arrival, Vozinha has struggled to secure a regular place in the starting team.

By early November, he had played in only five of Colo Colo's possible 14 matches. The club, which won the Copa Libertadores in 1991, is chasing the Chilean league title and a place in next year's continental competition.

Vozinha was expected to remain on the bench for another match as the season approached its conclusion. He said his immediate priority was helping the club through an important period.

“I came here with the intention of playing in the Libertadores, but my focus is on this week, which could be very important for Colo Colo,” he told reporters. “My future will be decided after that. I'm not thinking about that.”

His contract runs for six months. An additional year can be activated only if he plays enough minutes.

The Cost of Sudden Fame

Away from football, the goalkeeper is also adjusting to a life he never expected. Before becoming a professional player, he worked as a rubbish collector. He also combined football with teaching beach volleyball.

That quieter existence has now disappeared. In an interview with Britain's The Observer, Vozinha admitted that the attention had taken away much of his peace.

“I've lost my peace and tranquillity,” he said.

He explained that ordinary activities had become difficult. Visits to restaurants and other public places now attract requests for photographs and autographs.

“Now I go out, I go to a restaurant, and there's always someone who wants to take a photo with me or asks me for an autograph,” he said. “Or, worse, someone is filming me.”

His following is particularly striking when compared with the population of Cape Verde, which stands at just over 500,000 people.

Finding Comfort in Everyday Moments

During his first weeks in Santiago, Vozinha regularly visited a bakery in the affluent Vitacura neighbourhood. The visits offered him an opportunity to enjoy ordinary conversations away from the demands of football and celebrity. Gustavo Cassin, manager of the café Metissage, told AFP that the goalkeeper appeared comfortable there.

“I think it was good for him to go because he felt welcomed and was able to chat to people,” Cassin said.

The two avoided discussing football. Instead, Vozinha spoke about his home country while enjoying his morning croissant. Such moments offered a glimpse of the quieter life he says he misses.

Will Vozinha Remain at Colo Colo?

Questions are now being raised about whether the goalkeeper will stay in Chile beyond the current season.

His limited playing time has attracted criticism. Former Chile captain Claudio Bravo, who played for Barcelona and Manchester City, has questioned his performances.

“He has made several errors in situations that require coordination,” Bravo said. “And if you don't have coordination, you'll never do it.”

Vozinha has only a few matches left to make an impression before his contract expires. His future will depend partly on whether he can secure more playing time.

For a player whose career changed almost overnight, the next decision may prove difficult. The World Cup gave him international recognition and opportunities that once seemed distant. But it also brought a level of attention he says he never wanted.

Vozinha's story now extends beyond football. It is also about the personal cost of sudden fame, and the challenge of finding a sense of normality after the world begins watching.