Josimar José Évora Dias, known to the world simply as Vozinha, is more than just Cape Verde’s first-choice goalkeeper. He’s a story of patience, grit, and the kind of late-blooming success that doesn’t come easy in the ruthless world of professional football. At 40, he’s not only still playing at a high level but doing so on football’s biggest stage, leading his country through its historic first-ever World Cup appearance in 2026.
Profile Summary
| Full Name | Josimar José Évora Dias |
| Date of Birth | June 3, 1986 |
| Place of Birth | Mindelo, São Vicente, Cape Verde |
| Nationality | Cape Verdean |
| State of Origin | São Vicente Island |
| Partner | Married (name not publicly disclosed) |
| Children | N/A |
| Occupations | Professional Footballer (Goalkeeper) |
| Height | Approx. 1.82 m (5 ft 11 in) |
| Position | Goalkeeper |
| Jersey Number | 1 |
| Net Worth | Estimated $500,000 – $2 million USD |
Early Life and Education
Vozinha was born on June 3, 1986, in Mindelo, a bustling port town on São Vicente, one of Cape Verde’s main islands. His father, a military man, and his mother, a hardworking local, didn’t have the luxury of time to raise him hands-on. So, like many children in similar situations, young Josimar grew up under the care of his grandparents.
It was from them that he got the nickname “Vozinha”, a Creole term of endearment that loosely translates to “Little Granny.” The name stuck, and it’s what everyone calls him now, from teammates to fans.
Growing up, Vozinha wasn’t the tallest or the most physically imposing kid. He played street football against older boys who often brushed him aside. More than once, he was told he didn’t have what it took to be a serious goalkeeper. But he never let that stop him.
Career
Vozinha started playing for local clubs in Cape Verde, including Batuque FC and CS Mindelense, where he spent his formative years. He didn’t turn professional until his mid-20s, making his first major move to Angola to join Progresso do Sambizanga. That’s where he first started getting real attention.
From there, his career took him to Moldova with Zimbru Chișinău, then to Portugal with Gil Vicente, followed by stints in Cyprus with AEL Limassol and Slovakia with AS Trenčín. He eventually returned to Portugal, where he’s been playing for GD Chaves in the second division.
On the international front, he made his debut for Cape Verde in 2012 and has been the team’s leading goalkeeper ever since. He’s played in four Africa Cup of Nations tournaments and was a key figure in Cape Verde’s first-ever World Cup qualification in 2026.
At 40, he became the second-oldest player to debut at a World Cup and the oldest to represent a first-time participating nation. His standout performance came against Spain, where he made seven crucial saves in a 0–0 draw and was named Player of the Match.
Stats
| Position | Goalkeeper |
| Current Club | GD Chaves (Liga Portugal 2) |
| Club Appearances (Career Total) | 200+ |
| International Caps | 80+ |
| Africa Cup of Nations Tournaments | 2013, 2015, 2021, 2023 |
| World Cup Appearances | 2026 (Cape Verde’s debut) |
| Clean Sheets (2024/25 Season) | 11 in 32 matches |
| Jersey Number | 1 |
Personal Life
Off the pitch, Vozinha is a private person. He’s married, though he keeps details about his wife and family out of the spotlight. What he has shared publicly is how much his grandparents meant to him, they raised him, supported his dreams, and shaped the person he became.
After his World Cup heroics against Spain, he was seen in tears during the post-match interview. When asked why, he spoke about how much he wished his grandparents and his mother could’ve been there to see it. His mother, he explained, couldn’t make the trip due to visa issues and the cost of travel. It was a raw, human moment that reminded everyone that behind the jersey is a man who’s carried love, loss, and longing onto the world stage.
Net Worth
Estimates put Vozinha’s net worth between $500,000 and $2 million USD. Before the World Cup, his market value was modest, around €50,000, but his global visibility has since grown, opening up new opportunities in endorsements and media.
Awards and Honours
While Vozinha hasn’t lifted major club trophies, his career is filled with personal and national milestones:
- Cape Verde’s most capped goalkeeper (80+ appearances)
- Player of the Match vs Spain at the 2026 FIFA World Cup
- Four-time Africa Cup of Nations participant
- A national hero in Cape Verde for his leadership and perseverance
- Historic distinction as the oldest player to debut at a World Cup for a first-time participant nation
