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Cape Verde’s Vozinha nominated for 2026 Ballon d’Or goalkeeper

9/9/2026

Summary

Vozinha Ballon d’Or

Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha was nominated for the 2026 Ballon d’Or Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year award.
He recorded 18 saves in four World Cup matches, the most by a 40-plus-year-old after Zoff and Shilton.
He kept a clean sheet with seven saves in a 0-0 draw against champions Spain.
He signed with Chilean giants Colo-Colo following the World Cup.
His Instagram following exceeded 29 million after the tournament.

Summary

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History

Historical Context

In 1998, Brazil’s veteran goalkeeper Cláudio Taffarel anchored the national team to a FIFA World Cup triumph, elevating the keeper’s global stature. Taffarel posted twelve clean sheets and Brazil conceded only three goals, a defensive record that underscored the value of experienced shot-stoppers throughout the tournament. Today, Cape Verde’s 40-year-old keeper Vozinha matched that legacy by making eighteen saves in four 2026 World Cup games and securing a Ballon d’Or nomination. His subsequent transfer to Chilean giants Colo-Colo and 29 million Instagram followers illustrate how veteran goalkeepers now drive commercial and sporting strategies worldwide.

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Vozinha Ballon d’Or

Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha was nominated for the 2026 Ballon d’Or Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year award.
He recorded 18 saves in four World Cup matches, the most by a 40-plus-year-old after Zoff and Shilton.
He kept a clean sheet with seven saves in a 0-0 draw against champions Spain.
He signed with Chilean giants Colo-Colo following the World Cup.
His Instagram following exceeded 29 million after the tournament.

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