Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha has become an overnight global sensation on social media, with his Instagram following skyrocketing from 50,000 to more than 11.4 million in the days following his heroic World Cup debut.
According to screenshots shared on his verified account, the massive surge in followers has turned the veteran shot-stopper into one of the breakout stars of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The internet obsession follows a masterclass performance by the 40-year-old, who helped Cape Verde secure a historic 0-0 draw against Spain in their first-ever tournament match.
The result is widely regarded as one of the biggest shocks in World Cup history, leaving pre-tournament favourites Spain frustrated after dominating possession and launching wave after wave of attacks.
Cape Verde, a nation of fewer than 600,000 people, entered the match in Atlanta as massive underdogs against the 2010 world champions.
Spain finished the game with 27 shots, but they simply could not find a way past Vozinha, who made seven official saves to earn the Player of the Match award.
Several of those stops came from close range as the veteran frustrated Spain’s biggest stars.
He remained composed even when substitute winger Lamine Yamal entered the game in the second half to inject extra pace into the Spanish attack, ensuring Cape Verde walked away with a valuable point.
At 40 years and 12 days old, the goalkeeper also carved his name into the record books.
He is now the oldest player to appear in a nation’s first-ever World Cup match. His seven saves are the most by a goalkeeper aged 40 or older at a World Cup since Northern Ireland legend Pat Jennings made 10 saves back in 1986.
The historic night was the culmination of a long career for Vozinha, who has represented his country since 2012 and earned more than 90 international caps.
As the final whistle blew, the emotional goalkeeper was seen in tears on the pitch, overwhelmed by a performance that has now earned him both footballing immortality and an audience of millions worldwide.