GUADALAJARA – In a stunning turn of events during the World Cup, Vozinha, a 40-year-old goalkeeper from Cape Verde, became an overnight sensation after his team held the European champions, Spain, to a surprising 0-0 draw. After the match, Vozinha was left in disbelief when he learned that his Instagram followers skyrocketed from around 50,000 to over 10 million in less than 24 hours!
“Crazy, that’s crazy,” Vozinha exclaimed during an interview with Brazilian YouTube channel CazéTV. The channel, which is known for its fun and engaging sports broadcasts, took the opportunity to encourage viewers to support Vozinha after his remarkable performance. With its substantial following of over 31 million subscribers, CazéTV played a pivotal role in boosting the goalkeeper’s social media presence.
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Vozinha’s unexpected fame came as he made numerous crucial saves against Spain’s formidable attack, earning him the title of man of the match. Spain entered the match as one of the favorites to win the tournament, but they were thwarted by Vozinha’s stellar defense. The result sparked celebrations back home in Cape Verde, a small island nation with a population of about half a million.
Despite his newfound fame, Vozinha faced an emotional challenge: his mother was unable to attend the match due to issues with her visa. The U.S. State Department indicated that they were working on resolving the situation and contacted Cape Verde authorities to assist Vozinha’s family.
In a similar incident, New Zealand defender Tim Payne experienced a surge in his social media following after being highlighted by an Argentine influencer, demonstrating how quickly players can gain recognition during the World Cup. This trend illustrates the growing role of social media and digital platforms in shaping athletes’ public profiles.
To connect with younger audiences, FIFA has made significant efforts to broaden access to the World Cup, partnering with platforms like TikTok and YouTube. These initiatives are designed to engage fans who prefer digital content, reflecting a shift in how sports are consumed in the modern age.
“Thank you,” Vozinha expressed to CazéTV. “The Brazilians have always supported us. We felt it during our campaign to qualify for the World Cup, and we are feeling it again at the biggest stage.”
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AP Diplomatic Writer Matthew Lee contributed reporting from Washington.
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AP World Cup coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/fifa-world-cup
