Vozinha Reacts to Historic Ballon d’Or Yachine Nomination
Cape Verdean goalkeeper Vozinha has reacted with humility and pride following his historic nomination for the Yachine Trophy at the upcoming 2026 Ballon d’Or awards. The 40-year-old veteran, who currently plays for Chilean giants Colo Colo, is being celebrated as the first player from his nation to receive such a prestigious individual nod from France Football magazine.
‘A Journey Worth It’
Reflecting on a career that has spanned decades and continents, Vozinha took to social media to share his emotions. “I carry with me São Vicente, Cape Verde, and an entire nation that never stopped believing,” he wrote on Instagram. “There are moments that seem too big until the day we realize that the whole journey was worth it. Seeing my name among the nominees for the Ballon d’Or is something difficult to describe.”
The nomination follows a stellar 2025/26 season where Vozinha became a global standout. His heroics led the Cape Verdean national team, the “Blue Sharks,” to the Round of 32 in the 2026 World Cup, where they were eventually eliminated by the defending champions, Argentina.
Standing Among Giants
Vozinha’s inclusion on the shortlist places him alongside the elite of world football. He faces stiff competition for the title of best goalkeeper from established stars including Real Madrid’s Thibaut Courtois, Arsenal’s David Raya, and Spain’s World Cup-winning keeper Unai Simón.
The full list of nominees includes:
- Yassine Bounou (Al Hilal)
- Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid)
- Joan García (FC Barcelona)
- Gregor Kobel (Borussia Dortmund)
- Emiliano Martínez (Aston Villa)
- Édouard Mendy (Al Ahli)
- David Raya (Arsenal)
- Matvey Safonov (PSG)
- Unai Simón (Athletic Bilbao)
A Legacy for Cape Verde
Before his move to South America, Vozinha was a staple in Portuguese football, representing both Gil Vicente and Desportivo de Chaves. Despite his newfound global recognition, the goalkeeper remains focused on his roots.
“I remember where I came from and everything I went through—the sacrifices, the difficulties, and all those who walked this path with me,” he said. “Always with my feet on the ground and my heart in my homeland.”
The 70th edition of the Ballon d’Or, which evaluates performances from August 2025 through July 2026, will take place at a gala ceremony in London on October 26.
Image: Pexels – Franco Monsalvo
