In Chile, Cape Verde hero Vozinha struggles to cope with glare of fame
SANTIAGO: After repelling eventual champions Spain and becoming an instant global celebrity, Vozinha was an unlikely hero of this year’s World Cup.
Once a journeyman goalkeeper, Vozinha, whose real name is Josimar Jose Evora Dias, found himself in the global spotlight after heroically keeping Spain out of the 2022 World Cup. As Cape Verde's veteran goalkeeper, he now grapples with the challenges of adapting to his newfound fame. The 40-year-old, who moved to Chile in July, is struggling to settle into his new club Colo Colo.
Prior to the World Cup, Vozinha was a relatively unknown player with only 50,000 followers on Instagram, but following his stellar performance, his followers skyrocketed to over 27.5 million. The Cape Verdean hero was recently unveiled at Colo Colo's Estadio Monumental before thousands of fans, and has been sponsored by renowned brands such as Adidas, Pepsi, and Red Bull.
Despite his celebrity status, Vozinha has found it difficult to maintain his privacy. He once worked as a rubbish collector and now feels the weight of his sudden fame, with people constantly seeking photos or autographs. Vozinha admits that he misses the tranquility and privacy of his former life. His current contract with Colo Colo is set to expire in 2027, and with it, his Chilean adventure may come to an end.
Criticized for his performance on the field, former Chile captain Claudio Bravo has questioned Vozinha's abilities. With only a handful of games remaining before his contract expires, Vozinha's future in Chile remains uncertain.
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