The Cape Verde football team, known as the Blue Sharks, made the country very proud by their performance in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Blue Sharks’ goalkeeper, Josimar Dias (known as “Vozinha”), is now among the nominees for the Ballon d’Or 2026. This is an annual award made by the magazine France Football. This award is presented every year to the player considered to have performed the best in the previous season. The award ceremony this year will be held in London on 26 October. Ten players have been nominated from teams such as Morocco, Spain, Argentina and Russia.
Goalkeeper Vozinha has already been named as best player of the match by FIFA. He impressed many with his extraordinary saves during their matches. This was the first time Cape Verde had participated in a World Cup. Not only that, but Vozinha was one of the oldest players at 40 years of age. With modesty he has stated that any awards are for the whole of Cape Verde, not just him.
[16 Sept 2026]
