Vozinha fame has brought the Cape Verde goalkeeper global recognition, millions of social media followers and a Yashin Trophy nomination, but the 40-year-old admits he longs for his quieter life before becoming a World Cup star.
Vozinha was one of the nation’s brightest at its historic debut in the World Cup. The clean sheets he produced against eventual champions Spain and Saudi Arabia took the South African island to the knockout stage where they lost 3-2 to Argentina.
His performances made him an international name in a flash. According to reports, Vozinha’s Instagram followers have grown from 56,000 to approximately 28 million and his goal displays forced him to be nominated for the top goalkeeper of the year, the Yashin Trophy. But it is an attention that has come at a price.
In an interview with The Observer in the UK, Vozinha stated that he had lost the privacy and tranquillity that he used to have prior to his World Cup appeal. As simple as going to restaurants or meeting with friends, supporters are often asking for photos and autographs, or recording him without permission.
The keeper reported there’s been an effect on his family as well. Vozinha said that he has been receiving visitors to his mother’s house in Cape Verde, and worried that he was not able to be there for her.
“I’ve lost my peace and tranquillity. I no longer have any privacy,” he said.
Vozinha departed from second-tier Portuguese club Chaves in July to sign with Chilean outfit Colo-Colo, and embarked on a new chapter in his career away from Europe. Although the World Cup heroics had brought him professional opportunities, Vozinha had a frank opinion about becoming a celebrity, overnight.
