With roughly 500,000 citizens, Cape Verde is one of the least populated countries to ever compete at the World Cup, but that didn't stop them from going toe-to-toe with one of the sport's biggest superpowers.Spain came into the 2026 tournament with a top-three FIFA ranking and dreams of bringing another trophy back to the Iberian Peninsula, but their quest for a world title got off to an inauspicious start.Nico Williams, Lamine Yamal, Pedri Gonzalez, Victor Munoz, David Raya and Martin Zubimendi of Spain look on during the friendly international match between Spain and Iraq at Abanca Balaidos stadium on June 04, 2026, in A Coruna, Spain.(Photo By Irina R.
Hipolito/Europa Press via Getty Images) (Irina R.Hipolito/Europa Press via Getty Images)A big reason for Cape Verde's jaw-dropping performance is none other than the lights-out goalkeeping of 40-year-old Vozinha (full name Josimar José Évora Dias).Vozinha became the oldest player to compete in a nation's first World Cup match, but he did a lot more than just sit idly by and watch his team grind out a draw in group play.The Spaniards threw the kitchen sink at him, sending 27 shots his way and forcing the goalkeeper to make seven crucial saves to keep a clean sheet and help Cape Verde earn a point.For his efforts, Vozinha was rewarded with almost overnight superstardom, with his Instagram followers increasing by over 5.5 million in less than 24 hours after the match.CURAÇAO MAKES WORLD CUP HISTORY AFTER DRAW WITH JAMAICAAs of writing, his follower count has crossed the nine million mark, surpassing the likes of Super Bowl winner Patrick Mahomes.Unlike his newfound social media fame, however, Vozinha's success story didn't happen overnight.The 6-foot-2 goalkeeper has been plying his craft professionally for nearly two decades, having bounced around to nine different club teams in the process.Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha celebrates a 0-0 draw during the World Cup Group H soccer match between Spain and Cape Verde ...