Ballon d’Or 2026: Vozinha surprised by his Yachine Trophy nomination

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The 40-year-old Cape Verdean goalkeeper thought it was a joke when he learned he was among the candidates

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Ballon d’Or 2026: Vozinha surprised by his Yachine Trophy nomination

Vozinha struggled to believe he had been nominated. A hero for Cape Verde at the 2026 World Cup, the 40-year-old goalkeeper is among the ten candidates for the Yachine Trophy, which rewards the best goalkeeper of the year. The distinction surprised and honoured him in equal measure.

“I thought it was a joke”

Speaking to France Football, Vozinha admitted he was particularly surprised when he learned the news:

Many will say that it’s unfair, and that’s how I feel too in a way. I thought it was a joke when I heard the news.

The Cape Verdean goalkeeper explained in particular that he is aware of the competition he faces. He believes that many goalkeepers who regularly play in the best leagues and for the biggest clubs have strong claims to the award.

FROM AMATEUR FOOTBALL TO A BALLON D’OR NOMINATION AT 40. Vozinha was nominated for the 2026 Yachine Trophy after his HEROICS at the 2026 World Cup… and even he couldn’t believe it. 🇨🇻🧤🏆 🗣️ Vozinha: “Many people will say it’s UNFAIR, and in a way, that’s how I feel too. “I thought it was a JOKE when I heard the news. I say that because I have enormous respect for all these great goalkeepers playing in the best leagues and for the best teams in the world. “I see it mainly as another reward for the whole of CAPE VERDE.” 🇨🇻❤️ “At this stage of my career and my life, it’s a gift from the universe. So thank you to those who put me there.” 🙏✨ “We work our whole lives to have moments like this. I am 40 years old now, but I was not even a professional footballer until I was 25. This is the reward for my journey.” 🥹👏 And THAT is what makes Vozinha’s story so special. ❤️ He spent years playing amateur football before finally becoming a professional at the age of 25 in Angola. At an age when most footballers are already established, his professional journey was only JUST beginning. 🌍⚽ But he kept going. He kept believing. He kept working. And 15 years later, at 40 years old, Vozinha has represented Cape Verde on football’s biggest stage, produced HEROIC performances at the World Cup and earned a nomination for one of the biggest individual goalkeeper awards in the game. 🇨🇻🧤🏆 From amateur football to the WORLD CUP. From starting his professional career at 25 to being nominated for the Yachine Trophy at 40. 🤯❤️ Some careers are about how early you make it. Others are about never giving up until your moment finally comes. Vozinha’s journey is one of them. 👏🥹🇨🇻
— Bop Daddy ⚪️🔴 (@awoyemijoshua61) October 3, 2026

A nomination he dedicates to Cape Verde

This nomination rewards an exceptional year for the goalkeeper. At the 2026 World Cup, Vozinha played a major role in Cape Verde’s historic campaign, notably with his performances against several major national teams. Despite his reservations, the Chilean club Colo-Colo goalkeeper considers the nomination immense recognition for his country:

I see it above all as another reward for all of Cape Verde,” he explained, adding that at this stage of his career, he considers the distinction “a gift from the universe.

Vozinha is among the ten goalkeepers nominated for the 2026 Yachine Trophy, alongside Thibaut Courtois, David Raya, Unai Simon, Matvei Safonov and Joan García, among others. The trophy will be presented on October 26 in London, during the Ballon d’Or ceremony.

🇨🇻🧤 WE MADE THE RIGHT PERSON FAMOUS! Vozinha has been nominated for the 2026 Yashin Trophy, recognising the world’s best goalkeeper. The 40-year-old Cape Verde international finds himself among an incredible shortlist that includes Joan García, Emiliano Martínez, Unai Simón, Matvei Safonov, Thibaut Courtois, Gregor Kobel, Yassine Bounou, Edouard Mendy and David Raya. But just look at the journey. Playing in the second division at 40. Representing Cape Verde at their first-ever World Cup. 🇨🇻 Standing out against the reigning world champions without conceding. Producing another huge performance against the World Cup runners-up. Making FIFA’s Team of the Tournament. Signing for Colo-Colo. And now, receiving a Ballon d’Or nomination. A career that seemed destined to remain outside the spotlight has suddenly put Vozinha on one of football’s biggest stages. And perhaps the best part? Now everyone knows where Cape Verde is. YOU DID IT, VOZINHA. 🇨🇻❤️
— Olt Sports (@oltsport_) September 9, 2026