Yachine Trophy 2026: : two journalists rank Vozinha first

Revelation of the 2026 World Cup with Cape Verde, Vozinha made an impression in the Yachine Trophy vote. The Cape Verdean goalkeeper earned 45 points, including two first-place votes and eight second-place votes from international journalists.

Vozinha has managed to establish himself among the best goalkeepers in the world. Almost unknown to the general public before the 2026 World Cup, the Cape Verdean goalkeeper received significant recognition in the Yachine Trophy vote, organized by France Football.

The 40-year-old goalkeeper collected 45 points in the final standings. This result was achieved thanks to the votes of several international journalists. Two of them even ranked him first: those from Nigeria and Zambia.

Eight other journalists placed him second. They were the representatives of Cameroon, South Korea, Côte d'Ivoire, Haiti, Iceland, Jordan, Uzbekistan and Sweden.

The World Cup changed his trajectory

Vozinha's rise on the international stage can largely be explained by his performances with Cape Verde at the 2026 World Cup. At 40, the goalkeeper took part in his country's historic first qualification for the competition.

His interventions contributed to the Blue Sharks' remarkable campaign, as they reached the round of 16 before being eliminated by Argentina.

This worldwide exposure opened the door to unexpected individual recognition. His inclusion among the ten candidates for the Yachine Trophy was already a pleasant surprise.

Read also: Ballon d’Or 2026: Vozinha surprised by his nomination for the Yachine Trophy

Vozinha, the world's sixth-best goalkeeper

In the final standings, the Cape Verdean finished in sixth place. He notably finished ahead of Yassine Bounou, who was eighth, and Édouard Mendy, who was ninth.

The trophy went to Spain's Unai Simón, ahead of David Raya and Thibaut Courtois.

For Vozinha, these 45 points mainly tell the story of a remarkable rise. In just a few months, the Cape Verdean goalkeeper went from being little known to the general public to a goalkeeper recognized by several journalists as one of the best in the world.

Nouya M'toama

Editorfr, en

Versatile journalist specializing in sports and political news, with extensive experience across radio, print and digital media platforms.

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