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No matter what happens the rest of the way, Vozinha has won the hearts of the globe during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The heroic 40-year old goalkeeper made seven saves in Cape Verde's opening match 0-0 draw with European champion Spain. It was a stunner of all stunners, and it made Vozinha a viral sensation.
His Instagram ballooned in following by 1000% over just a couple days after that match, and now he'll be in the spotlight again on Sunday when Cape Verde returns to action against Uruguay.
One of the coolest parts of this story is now that Vozinha's mother is going to get to attend and watch him play.
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According to Reuters:
"Ana Candida Evora travelled from Cape Verde's capital Praia after the U.S. State Department provided her with a visa following Vozinha's tearful comments after the tournament debutants' shock 0-0 draw with Spain, in which the 40-year-old was named Player of the Match."
Clearly, it's a special moment for all involved. Vozinha will be a much more well-known player in his second-ever World Cup match.
He's known as Vozinha, but his full name is Josimar Jose Evora Dias.
Vozinha means "little voice" in some versions of the Portuguese translation.
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He has represented Cape Verde since 2012. It may have never seemed realistic that they could reach this stage.
Currently, he plays in the second division in Portugal. But that's his day job.
This summer, he's a World Cup story that maybe only he and his mother could ever have imagined.
English (US)