The man who held Spain to a goalless draw at the World Cup is currently unemployed. Vozinha, Cape Verde's 40-year-old goalkeeper, confirmed his contract with Portuguese second-division side Deportivo Chaves has expired — and he has nothing lined up.
"At the moment I still don't have anything," he told Brazilian journalist Daniel Braune. "I'm open to everything. Let's see what comes up."
From 50,000 followers to 16 million overnight
His openness to Brazil isn't random. After Cape Verde's 0-0 opener against Spain on June 15, Brazilian influencer Casimiro Miguel — one of the country's most-followed football personalities — started promoting Vozinha's Instagram account. It went from roughly 50,000 followers to nearly 16 million in a matter of days. That kind of cultural footprint doesn't go unnoticed by clubs.
"It would be good," Vozinha said, smiling, when asked about a potential move there. Cautious phrasing — but the door is clearly open.
Cape Verde then drew 2-2 with Uruguay before their meeting with Saudi Arabia in Houston, where a win would put them through to the round of 32 for the first time in their history. A goalkeeper with his profile, available on a free, coming off a tournament where he faced and stopped Spain? His market should be anything but quiet.
A free transfer with serious upside
Age will be the sticking point for most clubs. Forty is forty. But Vozinha's performances haven't looked like a player in decline — they've looked like a player at the peak of his reading of the game, which is exactly what veteran keepers lean on when the reflexes dial back.
A Brazilian club signing him wouldn't just be a football decision. It would be a commercial one. Sixteen million followers who came specifically because of him is a sponsorship pitch that writes itself.
He spent time in Brazil during his stint with Angolan club Progresso do Sambizanga and wants to return — at minimum to thank the fans in person. Whether that visit comes with a contract attached is the question.
"My dream, and the dream of all Cape Verdeans, is to reach the next round," he said. First things first.
