From 45,000 To 5.6 Million! Vozinha’s Instagram Followers Explode After Stunning World Cup Debut

Published 16 June 2026 · sports

From 45,000 To 5.6 Million! Vozinha’s Instagram Followers Explode After Stunning World Cup Debut Published By, Last Updated: June 16, 2026, 11:56 IST Cape Verde

From 45,000 To 5.6 Million! Vozinha’s Instagram Followers Explode After Stunning World Cup Debut Published By, Last Updated: June 16, 2026, 11:56 IST Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha's Instagram followers surge from 45000 to 5.6 million in a matter of hours. Vozinha has become an overnight sensation. (AP Photo) There is a reason the FIFA World Cup is widely regarded as the world’s biggest sporting tournament. Just ask Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha, who has gone from relative obscurity to overnight sensation after a heroic performance against 2026 FIFA World Cup favourites Spain in Atlanta. In a packed stadium, the 40-year-old delivered the performance of his life, making as many as seven saves to secure a stunning 0-0 draw against the reigning European champions.

Following his 90 minutes of world-class goalkeeping, Vozinha’s Instagram following has skyrocketed from 45,000 to a staggering 5.6 million at the time of publication. Cape Verde, a tiny island nation, made a remarkable world cup bow and the enormity of what the team achieved soon dawned on Vozinha. The 40-year-old broke down into tears wishing his grandparents and mother could have been present at the venue to watch him create history. He’s the oldest goalkeeper in world cup history to manage a cleansheet on debut. “I cried because I grew up with my grandparents and unfortunately, they were not here; they died a few years ago," he said. “They were everything for me, for my life. I also cried because my mum didn’t manage to be here because of the visa.

Because of the money we had to pay for the visa, we didn’t manage to [get it done] on time. I would like her to be here, but I’m also very happy." “I have worked my whole life for this moment. I’m 40 years old. I started playing football professionally when I was 25, in 2012. I thought about leaving but I continued because of this dream. This is for everyone. I was named man of the match, but this is for all of my teammates because without them nothing would be possible. I will continue to work for Cape Verde and for the people," he added. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit About the Author Feroz Khan Feroz Khan has been covering sports for over 12 years now and is currently working with Network18 as Principal Correspondent.

He embarked on his journey in 2011 and has since acquired vast experience... Read More First Published: June 16, 2026, 11:56 IST News sports football From 45,000 To 5.6 Million! Vozinha’s Instagram Followers Explode After Stunning World Cup Debut Disclaimer: Comments reflect users’ views, not News18’s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments...