Cape Verde hero Vozinha on newfound fame

Cape Verde's goalkeeper Vozinha, who was instrumental in his nation's World Cup debut draw against Spain, says he misses the tranquility of his pre-fame life. The 40-year-old's popularity skyrocketed during the match, climbing from around 50,000 to over one million followers on social media. That rise in fame continued when Argentina required extra time to defeat Cape Verde in the round of 32.

Vozinha expressed to the Observer that the fame has taken a toll on his peace and privacy. Fans now frequently approach him for photos or autographs, or even film him without his consent. His mother, who previously could not afford a visa to watch his World Cup debut, now receives daily visits from fans. Vozinha acknowledged that while many aspire to fame, few appreciate the negative aspects.

Despite his World Cup heroics, Vozinha believes his achievements were a collective effort. He hopes that the momentum from his performances can be used to improve life for the people of Cape Verde, a small island nation with a population of just 525,000.