World Cup hero Vozinha gains 20M followers after Cape Verde exit

Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha has officially become the most-followed goalkeeper on Instagram in the world after his stunning 2026 World Cup run came to an end in a 3-2 extra-time defeat to defending champions Argentina in the Round of 32.

The 40-year-old entered the tournament with around 50,000 followers. He leaves it with over 20 million, surpassing legendary goalkeepers including Iker Casillas and Real Madrid’s Thibaut Courtois, as well as the social media followings of NFL stars Tom Brady and Travis Kelce.

Vozinha’s social media following began to grow rapidly after his Man of the Match performance in Cape Verde’s historic 0-0 draw against Spain on June 15, when he made seven crucial saves against one of the tournament favourites to help his country earn a point in their World Cup debut.

From 50,000 to 20 million in three weeks

Much of the initial explosion was driven by Brazilian broadcaster CazéTV, which explicitly told its millions of viewers to follow Vozinha during the Spain broadcast.

Cape Verde went on to advance from Group H as runners-up, becoming the first World Cup debutant to reach the knockout stage since 2010 and the smallest nation by population ever to do so.

In the Round of 32 against Argentina in Miami, Vozinha made seven more saves across 120 minutes before Cape Verde fell 3-2 in extra time.

His current following is now roughly 40 times larger than the entire population of Cape Verde, which sits at around 500,000 people.

Vozinha is now a free agent after his contract with Portuguese side G.D. Chaves expired, and his performances at the tournament are likely to attract significant interest from clubs worldwide.

-Dexerto