World Cup Fame Cost Me My Peace — Vozinha

Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha has revealed that his life has changed dramatically since his breakthrough performance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, saying the sudden fame has cost him his peace and privacy.

Vozinha became one of the tournament’s surprise stars after helping Cape Verde hold eventual champions Spain to a 0-0 draw in their opening match. His performance, which included seven saves, also sent his Instagram following from about 56,000 to more than one million.

Speaking to The Observer, the goalkeeper said the attention that followed his World Cup performances has made ordinary activities difficult.

“I’ve lost my peace and tranquillity. I no longer have any privacy, or at least much less than I used to. Now I go out, I go to a restaurant, and there’s always someone who wants to take a photo with me or asks me for an autograph. Or, worse, someone is filming me.”

Vozinha also revealed that several companies and brands wanted to work with him during the World Cup, but he only accepted one promotional collaboration with UFL Mobile while the tournament was ongoing.

“I know that during the World Cup there were lots of companies and brands that wanted to work with me, but while we were competing I only did one promotional collaboration, with UFL Mobile. I don’t know what offers might come in the future, but for now I don’t want to work with any tobacco, alcohol or betting brands.”

Despite the commercial opportunities that have come with his new profile, Vozinha said he would rather return to the quieter life he had before becoming a global football figure.

“To be honest, if I were offered the life I have today or the life I had before, I’d choose the one I had before.”

The 40-year-old goalkeeper has since moved to Chilean club Colo-Colo after his World Cup breakthrough. He has also continued his international career after initially considering retirement following the tournament.