Cape Verde hero Vozinha admits he misses life before World Cup fame
Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha has admitted that the fame he gained during the World Cup has cost him the privacy and quiet life he once enjoyed.
The 40-year-old became an international star after producing a standout performance as Cape Verde held European champions Spain to a goalless draw on their World Cup debut in June.
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His social media following surged from around 50,000 to more than one million during the match, before his profile grew again when Cape Verde pushed Argentina into extra time in the round of 32.
Vozinha struggles with sudden attention
The veteran goalkeeper said the attention has dramatically changed his everyday life, with fans now approaching him whenever he goes out in public.
“I’ve lost my peace and tranquillity,” Vozinha told the Observer.
“I no longer have any privacy, or at least much less than I used to.
“Now I go out, I go to a restaurant, and there’s always someone who wants to take a photo with me or asks me for an autograph. Or, worse, someone is filming me.
“That’s what has changed most in my life, and I don’t think there’s anything I can do about it.”
The attention has also extended to Vozinha’s mother, who became part of his World Cup story after it emerged that she could not afford a visa to attend his tournament debut.
Her visa fee was later waived following an announcement by US House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries.
Vozinha said his mother is now regularly visited by supporters wanting to meet him and take photographs.
World Cup hero wants success to benefit Cape Verde
Despite the difficulties that have accompanied his new profile, Vozinha acknowledged that many people would welcome the opportunity to experience similar fame.
“A lot of people want to be famous and have a public profile, but they only see the positive side of that reality,” he said.
“To be honest, if I were offered the life I have today or the life I had before, I’d choose the one I had before.”
His performances at the tournament earned him a nomination for the Ballon d’Or men’s goalkeeper of the year award.
However, Vozinha insisted Cape Verde’s achievements should not be viewed as an individual accomplishment.
“It’s nice to feel like a kind of ambassador, but I want to make it clear that what we achieved was a collective effort,” he said.
“We made history and the best news would be if we could harness that momentum to develop our country and improve the living conditions of our people.”