Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha’s Instagram following skyrockets after World Cup heroics against Spain

Cape Verdean goalkeeper Vozinha has become a global sensation, with his Instagram following skyrocketing from 50,000 to over six million after a heroic performance against Spain.

The 40-year-old produced an incredible display in Monday’s 0-0 draw in Atlanta, which saw his online presence surge to 6.3 million by Tuesday morning.

This meteoric rise means only five England players in Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup squad – Jude Bellingham, Marcus Rashford, Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice – boast a larger online presence.

“That is insane, I didn’t expect that,” Vozinha told the Men in Blazers podcast of his increased social media following. He further expressed his disbelief, stating: “Things run fast on Instagram, but I didn’t believe it. I still don’t believe, but it is what it is. Thank you to everyone.”

Vozinha made seven crucial saves to deny Spain, one of the favourites to win the competition. His masterclass also saw him become the oldest goalkeeper in World Cup history to keep a clean sheet on his tournament debut.

The only goalkeeper over 40 years of age to have made more saves in a World Cup match was Pat Jennings, with 10 for Northern Ireland against Brazil in 1986.

The goalkeeper’s viral fame has highlighted Cape Verde, a nation of 10 volcanic islands off the coast of West Africa, which is the third smallest country by population (around 500,000) to qualify for a World Cup.

Vozinha reflected on his impact: “The World Cup is the big stage in the whole of football and it is every kid’s dream to be here one day. When we inspire the next generation it is always good. To hear kids say one day they want to be Vozinha, I am very grateful.”

Cape Verde return to action against Uruguay in Miami on Sunday before their final group match against Saudi Arabia on Friday 26 June.