Since the World Cup, Vozinha has become a true hero in Cape Verde and around the world, but this immense popularity also has its downsides.
The 40-year-old goalkeeper speaks candidly about the impact this has had on his life. If given the chance, he would choose his life before the global competition.
“I have lost all serenity,” Vozinha states in an interview with The Observer. “I have no privacy, or at least much less than before. Now, if I go somewhere, like a restaurant, there is always someone who wants to take a photo with me or ask for an autograph. Worse still, there are those who film me. This is what has changed the most in my life, and I don’t think I can remedy it.”
From a commercial standpoint, many things have also changed for the 40-year-old goalkeeper since the World Cup. “I am aware that many companies and brands wanted to collaborate with me during the tournament. However, I have only established one promotional partnership with UFL Mobile. I don’t know what opportunities will arise in the future, but for now, I am not interested in collaborations with tobacco, alcohol, or gambling brands.”
“Many people aspire to fame and media visibility, but they only see the positive aspects. Honestly, if I could choose between my current life and the one I had before, I would undoubtedly choose my former existence,” the Cape Verdean World Cup hero admits sincerely.
Vozinha is also in the running for the Ballon d'Or for Best Goalkeeper of the Year. “I never imagined this possible. It was unimaginable, but I am grateful to those who thought of me. Being on this list is already a huge honor.”
