The 40-year-old became an internet sensation after making seven saves in Cape Verde’s 0-0 draw against Spain, with his Instagram following reportedly rising from about 56,000 to more than one million within hours.
Speaking about the impact of his newfound fame, Vozinha said he had lost much of the peace and privacy he enjoyed before the tournament.
“I’ve lost my peace and tranquillity. I no longer have any privacy, or at least much less than I used to,” he said.
The goalkeeper explained that he now attracts attention whenever he goes out, with people asking for photographs and autographs or filming him without his knowledge.
Vozinha recalled discovering the extent of his sudden popularity when a member of the team’s catering staff jokingly told him he had a billion followers. He later confirmed that his Instagram account had crossed one million followers after a journalist showed him the figures.
The goalkeeper said he eventually turned off his Instagram notifications to avoid constantly checking his growing following.
Despite receiving interest from companies and brands during the World Cup, Vozinha said he was selective about promotional partnerships, adding that he did not want to work with tobacco, alcohol or betting brands.
Reflecting on his new reality, he said fame was not as appealing as it appeared from the outside.
“A lot of people want to be famous and have a public profile, but they only see the positive side of that reality. To be honest, if I were offered the life I have today or the life I had before, I’d choose the one I had before,” he said.
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