Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha has been nominated for the prestigious Yashin Trophy. This recognition follows a historic 2026 World Cup campaign where the national team finished second in their group with 3 points from 3 draws. Cape Verde scored 2 goals and conceded 2, ending the group stage with a zero goal difference.
Forbes reported this week that Josimar 'Vozinha' Dias, 40, is among the 10 finalists for the world's best goalkeeper award. His nomination caps a tournament where he became a global sensation. Vozinha kept clean sheets in the 0-0 draws against eventual champions Spain and Saudi Arabia, and also in the 2-2 draw with Uruguay.
These heroic performances secured Cape Verde second place in Group H and a spot in the Round of 32. The team finished just 4 points behind group leaders Spain. Fans can review the team's full tournament journey on our stats page. Despite a 3-2 extra-time loss to Argentina in the last 16, Vozinha made several key saves against Lionel Messi.
Journalist Gastón Trucco, writing for Marca, highlighted a unique statistical feat involving the Cape Verde national team. Defending champions Argentina matched a historic record by winning their first two knockout matches at the 2026 World Cup with the same 3-2 scoreline. The first of those wins was against Cape Verde in the Round of 32 on July 3.
This feat had only been achieved before by two other defending champion nations: Italy in 1938 and Brazil in 1962. Both went on to win the title in those years, successfully defending their crown. Argentina joined this exclusive club after defeating Cape Verde and then Egypt, also by a 3-2 score. The statistical coincidence generated significant excitement among Argentine fans.
Following the World Cup, Vozinha took a new step in his club career. Forbes confirmed the keeper signed an 18-month contract with Chilean powerhouse Colo Colo on July 24. He has already made his debut for his new club and even recorded a league clean sheet.
His profile skyrocketed during the tournament, with his Instagram followers swelling from 100,000 to nearly 30 million. This massive popularity, combined with his consistent performances, made him one of the most talked-about goalkeepers on the planet. His journey from lower divisions in Africa to a Yashin nomination is a story of individual triumph. Supporters can follow the current national team setup on our squad page.
Cape Verde's 2026 World Cup campaign ended in the Round of 32 with a 3-2 extra-time loss to Argentina. The team remained unbeaten in the group stage, with a record of 0 wins, 3 draws, and 0 losses. Their recent form, reflected in the LDDD record, shows their defensive resilience.
The final group standing, available on our standings page, was a historic milestone for Cape Verdean football. Finishing ahead of a team like Uruguay and securing a knockout stage match against the defending champions was a monumental achievement. The national team's next official fixture has not yet been announced.
