What Happened to Josimar José Évora Dias?
Josimar José Évora Dias, widely known by his nickname Vozinha, is a Cape Verdean professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for Liga Portugal 2 club Chaves and the Cape Verde national team. He gained global recognition in June 2026 for his standout performance at the FIFA World Cup, where, at 40 years old, he led his underdog team to a surprising 0-0 draw against Spain.
Quick Answer
Josimar Dias, known as Vozinha, is a 40-year-old Cape Verdean professional goalkeeper who became a global sensation after his heroic performance in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. On June 15, 2026, he made seven critical saves to help Cape Verde secure an unexpected 0-0 draw against Spain, earning him the Superior Player of the Match Award. This performance led to a massive surge in his social media following, and he currently plays for Chaves in Liga Portugal 2.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline12 events
Born in Mindelo, Cape Verde
Josimar José Évora Dias, known as Vozinha, was born in Mindelo, Cape Verde.
Begins Senior Club Career with Batuque
Vozinha started his senior club career playing for Batuque FC in Cape Verde.
Makes Debut for Cape Verde National Team
Vozinha earned his first cap for the Cape Verde national football team, beginning his long international career.
Participates in First Africa Cup of Nations
He represented Cape Verde in his first Africa Cup of Nations tournament.
Plays for Zimbru Chișinău
Vozinha moved to Europe, playing for Moldovan club Zimbru Chișinău.
Long Stint with AEL Limassol
He spent five seasons with Cypriot club AEL Limassol, making 116 appearances.
Joins AS Trenčín
Vozinha signed with Slovakian club AS Trenčín, playing 34 matches over two seasons.
Transfers to Chaves
Vozinha joined Liga Portugal 2 club Chaves, where he continues his professional career.
Market Value Update
His market value was last updated to €50k, with his contract at Chaves set to expire in June 2026.
Turns 40 Years Old
Vozinha celebrated his 40th birthday, making him one of the oldest active professional footballers.
Heroic FIFA World Cup Debut Against Spain
Vozinha made his FIFA World Cup debut for Cape Verde against Spain, making seven crucial saves to secure a 0-0 draw and earning the Superior Player of the Match award. He became the oldest player to feature in a nation's first World Cup match.
Instagram Popularity Soars
Following his World Cup performance, Vozinha's Instagram followers increased from 50,000 to over 4.5 million, largely due to a viral campaign.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Josimar José Évora Dias, born on June 3, 1986, in Mindelo, Cape Verde, is a seasoned professional goalkeeper affectionately known as Vozinha. His nickname, meaning 'Voice,' originated from his childhood, as he was raised by his grandparents and became a vocal leader.
Vozinha's club career has seen him play across various leagues in Cape Verde, Angola, Moldova, Portugal, Cyprus, and Slovakia. Notable stints include playing for Progresso (2012–2015), Zimbru Chișinău (2015–2016), Gil Vicente (2016–2017), and AEL Limassol (2017–2022). He joined AS Trenčín in 2022 and later moved to Liga Portugal 2 club Chaves in 2024, where he currently plays.
Internationally, Vozinha has been a stalwart for the Cape Verde national team since 2012, becoming the second-highest caps earner in the team's history with 89 appearances. He has represented his country in five major international tournaments, including the Africa Cup of Nations in 2013, 2015, 2021, and 2023.
The defining moment of his career came on June 15, 2026, when he made his FIFA World Cup debut for Cape Verde at the age of 40 years and 12 days. In their opening match against a highly-ranked Spanish side, Vozinha delivered a monumental performance, making seven crucial saves to secure a historic 0-0 draw. This feat earned him the Superior Player of the Match Award and made him the oldest player to feature in a nation's first FIFA World Cup match.
Following his World Cup heroics, Vozinha's popularity skyrocketed. His Instagram follower count surged from approximately 50,000 to over 4.5 million within hours, driven by a viral campaign initiated by Brazilian YouTuber CazéTV. As of June 16, 2026, Vozinha remains an active player for Chaves and a key figure for the Cape Verde national team, with his contract with Chaves set to expire at the end of June 2026.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Josimar José Évora Dias made different choices?