LayarHijau – Chinese actress Tian Xiwei has sparked a buzz online after she was spotted following Vozinha, the Cape Verde national team goalkeeper who became a viral sensation at the 2026 World Cup on Instagram. She was also seen liking several posts featuring the 40-year-old shot-stopper.
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Who is Vozinha?
Josimar “Vozinha” Dias took the football world by storm during Cape Verde’s historic 2026 World Cup debut. Valued at a mere €50,000 and facing the very real threat of unemployment just before the tournament, the veteran goalkeeper instead delivered a masterclass in resilience, quickly becoming one of the most beloved players of the competition.
Spectacular Performances
Over the course of four matches, Vozinha pulled off 18 remarkable saves. His most historic performance came in a 0-0 draw against Spain, where he made seven crucial stops to deny La Furia Roja after they fired 27 shots his way. He kept the momentum going in a dramatic 2-2 draw against Uruguay in Miami, guiding Cape Verde into the knockout stages and making history as the smallest nation ever to reach that phase of the World Cup.
Journey Ends Against Argentina
Cape Verde’s fairytale run ultimately came to an end in the Round of 16. In a thrilling encounter against defending champions Argentina in early July, the match was pushed into extra time after a 2-2 stalemate. Vozinha was once again heroic, making eight saves, but a heartbreaking own goal in the 111th minute finally broke Cape Verde’s hearts and ended their dream.
A Tribute from Messi
Following the final whistle, Lionel Messi made a point to seek out Vozinha, pulling the veteran goalkeeper into a warm embrace to show his respect for the outstanding performance. The heartwarming moment was a testament to the global admiration Vozinha had earned from football’s biggest names.
Skyrocketing Popularity
The impact of his heroics has been staggering. Vozinha’s social media following skyrocketed from 50,000 to nearly 20 million in a matter of days. His fame has even transcended the sports world, crossing over into entertainment with stars like Tian Xiwei joining his growing fanbase.
While their World Cup journey may have ended, Vozinha and the Cape Verdean squad left an indelible mark on the 2026 tournament, proving that passion and grit can allow any nation to compete on football’s grandest stage.
