In Chile, Cape Verde hero Vozinha struggles to cope with glare of fame
After repelling eventual champions Spain and becoming an instant global celebrity, Vozinha was an unlikely hero of this year's World Cup.- Reluctant celebrity - Vozinha's life was turned on its head following his World Cup exploits.
Cape Verdean goalkeeper Vozinha, whose real name is Josimar Jose Evora Dias, has struggled to adjust to his newfound fame four months after his World Cup heroics. Now 40, Vozinha moved to Chile in July and joined Colo Colo, Chile's most successful club from Santiago. After helping Cape Verde reach the World Cup's last 32, his Instagram account saw a surge in followers from 50,000 to an estimated 27.5 million.
Vozinha has been signed by global brands like Adidas, Pepsi, and Red Bull for advertising campaigns and even attended the Ballon d'Or ceremony in London. However, this newfound stardom has come at a cost, as Vozinha is now finding it difficult to maintain a private life. He expressed his sadness over not being able to obtain a visa for his mother to attend the World Cup and has shed tears over the sudden change in his life.
While Vozinha has been recruited by global brands and attended high-profile events, he has only played five games for Colo Colo out of the possible 14, leading to criticism from former Chile captain Claudio Bravo. With his contract set to expire in November, Vozinha's future in Chile remains uncertain.
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