Cape Verde hunts new club for Vozinha after the World Cup

Vozinha, the veteran goalkeeper of Cape Verde's national team, finished the 2026 World Cup without a contract and has already said he still wants to play professionally. At 40, the player left GD Chaves (Portugal's second division) before the tournament and now prioritises finding a club that wants him as a footballer, not merely as a marketing figure.

How did the World Cup boost Vozinha's profile?

In the opening match against Spain (0‑0), Vozinha made saves that spread across social media, pushing his follower count to 29 million. This surge in fame generated offers that, according to the keeper himself, seem driven more by audience appeal than sporting merit. International attention also sparked rumors of interest from Brazilian clubs and Inter Miami, though no deal has materialised.

What was Cape Verde's performance?

Cape Verde debuted with a goalless draw against Spain, followed by a 2‑2 tie with Uruguay and another 0‑0 against Saudi Arabia, securing a spot in the knockout stage. In the round of 16 they faced Argentina; regular time ended 1‑1, but the team was eliminated in extra time by 3‑2. Despite the exit, the tournament cemented Vozinha as one of the competition's most recognizable faces.

What lies ahead for the veteran?

In a CBS interview, Vozinha said: “[Finding a new team] is one of the first things I have to solve. I love football. Being here at 40 means I truly have this passion.” He added he hopes to play another one or two years, depending on his body, and that “the day after tomorrow we don’t know.” Talks with potential clubs remain preliminary, but the keeper aims to secure playing minutes before contemplating retirement.

Why does the club search matter for Cape Verde football?

Vozinha's World Cup presence gave unprecedented exposure to Cape Verde football, inspiring young players and attracting foreign market interest. A solid contract for the goalkeeper could open doors for other Cape Verdean talents, showing that the national team possesses globally recognised skill. Moreover, keeping a high‑level athlete in the national setup helps raise the competitive standard for upcoming qualification campaigns.

Vozinha's journey is still unfolding, but the 40‑year‑old’s determination makes clear that his love for the game remains strong, regardless of the offers that may arise.