Vozinha: Cape Verde goalkeeper opens up on loss of privacy

Cape Verde's breakout World Cup star Vozinha has admitted that his newfound global fame has come at a significant personal cost. The 40-year-old goalkeeper, who produced heroic displays against Spain and Argentina during the tournament, says he deeply misses the peace and tranquility of his life before he became a household name.

His social media presence exploded following his performances, with his follower count jumping from approximately 50,000 to over one million. However, this popularity has made everyday activities, such as dining at restaurants, difficult due to constant requests for photos and autographs. The goalkeeper highlighted that he often finds himself being filmed without consent, which has further eroded his privacy.

I've lost my peace and tranquillity. I no longer have any privacy, or at least much less than I used to. Vozinha

The spotlight has also extended to his family. After it was revealed that his mother struggled to afford a visa to watch his debut, US House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries intervened to waive the fee. Now, his mother is frequently visited by fans seeking to talk to or photograph her about her famous son, adding another layer of disruption to their private lives.

Nominated for the Ballon d'Or goalkeeper of the year award, Vozinha remains humble about his achievements, insisting that the team's success was a collective effort. He expressed hope that the country can leverage this momentum to improve living conditions, but candidly admitted that if given the choice, he would prefer the life he had before his viral rise to fame.