From electrician to World Cup star

The 2026 FIFA World Cup has produced countless unforgettable stories, but few are as inspiring as that of Josimar José Évora Dias, better known as Vozinha. At 40 years old, the Cape Verde goalkeeper went from being a virtually unknown footballer to becoming one of the tournament’s most talked-about names.

A life defined by hard work

Before establishing himself as a professional footballer, Vozinha worked as an electrician. For years, he balanced that job with his passion for football, never imagining that one day he would play in a FIFA World Cup.

His career also followed an unconventional path. He did not sign his first professional contract until he was 26 years old, gradually building his career in the leagues of Angola, Moldova, Cyprus, and Portugal, far from the spotlight.

A story that inspired the world

Beyond his performances on the pitch, Vozinha’s humility made him one of the most beloved figures of the World Cup. He arrived at the tournament without an active professional contract and with one of the lowest salaries among the participating goalkeepers, yet he left with worldwide recognition and tremendous popularity on social media.

The story of the Cape Verdean goalkeeper proves that talent, perseverance, and hard work can overcome even the greatest challenges, making him one of the most inspiring faces of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.