Biography
Who is Vozinha?
Early life and background
Vozinha was born Josimar José Évora Dias on June 3, 1986, in Mindelo on the island of São Vicente in Cape Verde. His parents originally wanted to name him Valdano after Argentine player Jorge Valdano, but local authorities did not permit it. Instead, he was given his first name in honor of Brazilian full-back Josimar.
Because his father served in the military and his mother worked long hours, Vozinha was raised by his grandparents. As a child playing football, he earned the nickname Avó, meaning Granny, because he used to complain to his grandparents when things did not go his way.
Club career highlights
Vozinha began his senior club career at local Cape Verdean team Batuque FC before moving to CS Mindelense. His career later took him across multiple countries, including spells with Progresso Associação do Sambizanga in Angola and Zimbru Chișinău in Moldova.
He also played for Gil Vicente in Portugal, AEL Limassol in Cyprus, and AS Trenčín in Slovakia. After returning to Portugal with Chaves, he joined the Chilean club Colo-Colo on an 18-month contract.
International success and World Cup fame
A full international for Cape Verde since 2012, Vozinha became the second-highest caps earner in the history of the national team. He represented his country at multiple editions of the Africa Cup of Nations.
At the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Vozinha achieved global recognition by keeping a clean sheet against Spain and winning the Player of the Match award. At age 40, he set multiple age-related tournament records, saved eight shots against Argentina in the Round of 32, and was voted into the tournament Dream XI by fans.
Family and personal life
Vozinha comes from a family with diverse occupations and athletic backgrounds. His younger brother Delmiro also played professional football for several clubs in the Cypriot Second Division. Another brother, Kleidir, works as a mathematics teacher in Brazil.
Following his standout performances at the 2026 World Cup, Vozinha gained millions of social media followers. Also, a newly discovered species of sea slug from the Aldisa genus was named Aldisa vozinhai in his honor.
Birthday and age
Vozinha was born on June 3, 1986, which makes Vozinha 40 years old today. That birthday falls under the Gemini sign. Vozinha shares the date with 31 other famous people.
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