Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha caused a stir among young supporters as he arrived at the London Palladium for the 2026 Ballon d'Or ceremony on Friday.
The Colo-Colo shot-stopper, widely known for his friendly and approachable nature, did not hesitate to greet the young crowd. He spent time signing autographs and smiling with supporters outside the venue as excitement built ahead of the ceremony.
Vozinha is shortlisted alongside two of the sport's most established figures, Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and Aston Villa player Dibu Martínez. The nomination marks a historic milestone for Cape Verde, offering the nation an opportunity to claim its first major individual prize in international football.
His path to the ceremony followed an outstanding run of form during the group stage of the World Cup. Those commanding displays on the global stage brought widespread acclaim and led directly to his signing by Chilean club Colo-Colo.
World Cup heroics and Chilean move
Known for his approachable demeanour, Vozinha generated substantial excitement with his move to South America. Club officials at Colo-Colo had prepared for an attendance of more than 40,000 supporters to celebrate his formal presentation in Chile.
Speaking after joining the squad, Vozinha explained that he chose Colo-Colo because he considered them the biggest club in Chile. His time with the team has already seen dramatic moments, including a recent domestic match in which an error resulted in his first conceded goal.
Cape Verde, an archipelago nation situated in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of West Africa, has seen its international football profile rise steadily. An award for Vozinha in London would deliver an unprecedented sporting honour to the country.
Historic achievement for Cape Verde
Colo-Colo, based in the Chilean capital of Santiago, is the country's most decorated club and the only Chilean team to have won the Copa Libertadores. The high-profile transfer represented a major step in the veteran goalkeeper's career following his tournament exploits.
The Ballon d'Or is football's most celebrated annual awards ceremony, recognising outstanding individual excellence across the global game. Staged inside the historic London Palladium in the capital's West End, the 2026 event concludes with the presentation of the world's best goalkeeper trophy, where Vozinha awaits the final decision alongside fellow nominees Courtois and Martínez.
