Remember the goalkeeper who stunned everyone during the FIFA World Cup 2026 co-hosted by the USA, Mexico and Canada? The one who held the eventual winners at 0-0 in the opener? Yes! He has now been nominated for the ‘Goalkeeper of the Year’ honor. 

Cape Verde star Vozinha has been nominated for the Goalkeeper of the Year award at the 2026 Ballon d’Or, becoming the first player from the island nation to receive the honour. The 40-year-old earned his place on the shortlist following a breakthrough summer at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. 

World Cup hero Vozinha’s Ballon d’Or nomination marks historic first for Cape Verde

In Cape Verde’s debut appearance at the tournament, Vozinha produced a series of outstanding displays that helped the team progress from the group stage, including a memorable clean sheet against eventual champions Spain. He made seven saves that stunned the football fans. Cape Verde were eventually eliminated by Argentina in the round of 16. 

After the World Cup, Vozinha signed for Chilean club Colo-Colo as a free agent, with several clubs eyeing the footballer. While he is not considered the favourite to win the award, facing competition from established names such as Unai Simon, Thibaut Courtois and others, his inclusion alone represents a significant milestone for Cape Verdean football.

The winner of the Goalkeeper of the Year award will be announced at the Ballon d’Or ceremony in London on 26 October. Vozinha became a star in the opener only when his followers on Instagram rose to Millions from thousands. He now has 29 million followers on the reel-sharing app.