Vozinha’s 14-Year journey as Cape Verde’s goalkeeper

Vozinha, Cape Verde’s veteran goalkeeper, has represented the nation for 14 remarkable years and will be Africa’s oldest player at the 2026 World Cup.

At 40 years and 12 days old when facing Spain in their first match, he proves age is truly just a number.

Unlike many international players, Vozinha had no prior youth international career. He earned his call-up to the Cape Verde national team based on strong domestic performances as goalkeeper for Progresso do Sambizanga in Angola.

His senior international debut came on September 8, 2012, starting in goal for Cape Verde’s 2-0 home victory over Cameroon in the first leg of the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations qualification playoff at Estádio da Várzea in Praia. Vozinha recorded a clean sheet, helping secure a vital advantage against more experienced opponents.

He retained his place in the return leg on October 14, 2012, playing the full 90 minutes despite a 1-2 defeat to Cameroon in Yaounde. The aggregate score of 3-2 ensured Cape Verde’s historic qualification for their first Africa Cup of Nations. His crucial interventions prevented an earlier collapse.

In 2012, Vozinha earned two caps, increasing to ten in 2013 as he transitioned from occasional backup to a more regular starter during qualification and tournament preparations.

According to Transfermarkt, Vozinha has 88 appearances for Cape Verde.