Cabo Verde shines at World Cup 2026: Vozinha’s shirt smashes auction record
The shirt worn by goalkeeper Vozinha in Cape Verde’s group-stage match against Saudi Arabia at World Cup 2026 has sold for $12,774. The price shattered all previous records for goalkeeping jerseys on MatchWornShirt.
The historic sale came days after Cape Verde’s elimination in the Round of 16 by Argentina, led by Lionel Messi. Vozinha’s 39-year-old jersey stood out not only for its price but for the impression the keeper left on the tournament.
How the record was set
The shirt was auctioned on MatchWornShirt, a platform specializing in official match-worn sports memorabilia. The winning bid of $12,774 topped the previous record of $11,500, set by Brazil’s Alisson Becker in 2025.
Before that, Germany’s Manuel Neuer’s shirt from a 2024 match against Scotland had fetched $10,270. Vozinha, however, claimed the top spot with an 11% higher price.
Vozinha’s impact at the World Cup
The Cape Verdean goalkeeper, 39, caught eyes from Cape Verde’s opening group-stage game. His clean-sheet display against Saudi Arabia proved pivotal in securing the Tubarões Azuis’s spot in the Round of 16.
Even after the loss to Argentina, Vozinha remained one of the tournament’s standout performers. His jersey is now a symbol of the Blue Sharks’ legacy at World Cup 2026.
What’s next for Cape Verde
With World Cup 2026 over, focus shifts to the qualifiers for the next edition. Vozinha, despite his 39 years, remains a key figure for the national team.
The Cape Verdean Football Federation (FCF) is already planning squad reinforcements for upcoming competitions. The record-breaking shirt, however, has already cemented the keeper’s place in the nation’s football history.
