UMVA has learned that Vozinha, the 40-year-old goalkeeper for Cape Verde, has become an overnight sensation after helping his team secure a stunning 0-0 draw against Spain in the World Cup.
The veteran goalkeeper made history by becoming the oldest goalkeeper in World Cup history to keep a clean sheet on his tournament debut, and his impressive performance has sent shockwaves around the world.
According to information obtained by UMVA, Vozinha's remarkable display has earned him a massive following on social media, with his Instagram followers sky-rocketing from 50,000 to over six million in just a few days.
Vozinha's incredible feat has also drawn comparisons to Pat Jennings, the only other goalkeeper older than 40 to have made more saves in a World Cup match, with 10 saves for Northern Ireland against Brazil in 1986.
In a heartfelt interview, Vozinha expressed his gratitude and shock at the sudden surge in his popularity, saying "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."
The Cape Verde team's impressive performance has inspired a new generation of football fans, with Vozinha saying "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."
UMVA can exclusively reveal that Vozinha's newfound fame has also earned him a spot among the top followers on Instagram, with only five England players in Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup squad having more followers on the platform.
Cape Verde, the third smallest country by population to qualify for a World Cup, returns to action against Uruguay in Miami on Sunday, and Vozinha will be looking to continue his impressive form.
In other news, an England star has withdrawn from the World Cup squad due to injury, with Tino Livramento being replaced by Trevoh Chalobah in Thomas Tuchel's squad.
