In just a few days, Vozinha went from being the goalkeeper who finished his contract with Chaves and attended the World Cup as one of the least sought-after players, to someone everyone wants to take a photo with. At the beginning of the competition, Vozinha had 40,000 followers on Instagram. However, after his impressive performance in goal for Cape Verde in the opening match against Spain, where he made seven saves, his popularity on social media exploded, and as of July 18, he now has 29.3 million followers. And it’s not just anonymous fans; celebrities like Zanetti, Ronaldo, Roberto Carlos, Higuita, and Jorge Campos, fellow goalkeepers, have stopped him for a photo. After a few days of rest in Cape Verde, the goalkeeper returned to the United States to participate in Fanaticsfest in New York, which will also serve as a job fair for him. At 40 years old, it’s worth noting that he is currently without a club after finishing his contract with Chaves, and he still feels he has more to give, especially after this positive wave he has been riding for weeks. In just a few weeks, the Cape Verdean has gone from anonymity to global fame, being constantly asked for photos, even live interviews on American channels, and accumulating millions of followers on social media. Despite the phenomenon, the player assures that his essence remains unchanged. “Fame hasn’t changed me much. I have to continue being the person I am,” he stated in an interview with Marca during a FIFA legends tournament in New York. At the event, surrounded by world champions and big names in football, it was Vozinha who attracted much of the fans’ attention, in addition to the players themselves. For Vozinha, this recognition served a greater purpose. “Before the tournament, we would say we were from Cape Verde, but 90% of the world’s population didn’t know where it was. Now, everyone knows. For us, it’s something very important,” he explained. The goalkeeper also recalled the match against Argentina, where they were defeated only in extra time, as one of the highlights of his career and for his country. “Facing Argentina was very good. We were tied until the end of the game and had chances to win. It was a great moment for me and for Cape Verde. We showed the world that we also have a lot of quality,” he stated. In that match, he fulfilled his dream of facing Lionel Messi, whom he described with admiration: “Messi is a player who needs no introduction. For me, he is the best in the world. He has been doing this for over 20 years, and playing against him was a great pleasure.” At 40 years old, Vozinha is determined to extend his career and is looking for a new professional challenge. “I want to play football for another one or two years. Maybe three. I will see how my body reacts, but I am free and looking for a good project. I hope to find a good team soon,” he confirmed. The goalkeeper wants a club that values his qualities and experience, not just the media image he has gained in recent weeks. Despite rumors linking him to a future in MLS, particularly with Inter Miami, Vozinha assures that nothing is set in stone. When directly questioned about this possibility, his response was definitive: “I don’t know.”
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