Inter Miami in talks to sign Cabo Verde goalkeeper Vozinha after World Cup heroics

A 40-year-old goalkeeper from Cabo Verde was playing in Portugal’s second division a few months ago. Now he’s reportedly in talks with one of the most high-profile clubs in Major League Soccer.

Inter Miami, the David Beckham co-owned club that already features Lionel Messi on its roster, is reportedly in discussions to sign Josimar José Évora Dias, better known as Vozinha, following his breakout performances at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The keeper became a free agent when his contract with Portuguese second-tier side GD Chaves expired in late June 2026, meaning Inter Miami could land him without paying a transfer fee.

From obscurity to 20 million followers

Vozinha’s World Cup displays didn’t just catch the eye of scouts. His Instagram following exploded from tens of thousands to over 20 million, a surge that transforms him from a journeyman goalkeeper into a genuinely marketable sports figure.

At 1.89 meters tall, born on June 3, 1986, he’s firmly in the twilight of his playing career. The Cabo Verde international delivered a string of stunning saves during the World Cup, including a performance against Spain that helped his team secure a draw against one of the tournament favorites.

What we know about the deal

Reports from outlets including Marca and NBC Miami indicate strong interest from Inter Miami’s side. Some sources suggest that talks may have advanced to the point of a verbal agreement, though nothing has been officially confirmed by the club.

Olé USA has reported that Inter Miami is actually not pursuing Vozinha’s signature, directly contradicting the prevailing narrative.

As a free agent, Vozinha wouldn’t cost Inter Miami a transfer fee. A player with 20 million Instagram followers joining a squad that already includes Messi creates a content and engagement engine that most MLS clubs can only dream about.

The broader MLS picture

Inter Miami has positioned itself as the league’s premier destination for global talent. The Messi signing in 2023 fundamentally altered the club’s profile and MLS’s international visibility.

For Cabo Verde, a nation of roughly 600,000 people, Vozinha’s World Cup performances were already historic. A move to Inter Miami would place a Cabo Verdean athlete alongside one of the greatest players ever to touch a soccer ball.

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