Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha has revealed the downside of his sudden global fame following his impressive performances at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The 40-year-old became one of the tournament’s breakout stars after helping Cape Verde secure a historic 0-0 draw against Spain in their opening match, making seven saves against the European champions.
His performance attracted widespread attention and millions of new social media followers, turning him into an international football sensation.
However, Vozinha said the increased attention had cost him his privacy and the quiet life he previously enjoyed.
“I’ve lost my peace and tranquillity,” Vozinha told The Observer.
“I no longer have any privacy, or at least much less than I used to. 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. Or, worse, someone is filming me.”
He added that if given the choice between his current life and the one he had before the World Cup, he would choose his former life.
Cape Verde went on to reach the last 32, where they took Argentina to extra time before losing. The island nation was the smallest country to compete at the tournament.
Vozinha has since joined Chilean club Colo-Colo.
