His debut comes just weeks after he became one of the breakout figures of the 2026 World Cup in North America.

League regulations normally require players to wear their registered names, with ANFP rules stating that "nicknames, appellations or sobriquets" are not permitted on official match shirts.

Vozinha's performances for the small African island nation at the World Cup in North America helped Cape Verde get past the group stage before a narrow loss to Argentina in the last 32.

Vozinha, who left Portuguese second-tier side Chaves before the World Cup, was voted into FIFA's fan-selected World Cup dream team after helping tournament debutants Cape Verde hold eventual champions Spain to a goalless draw and pushing eventual runners-up Argentina into extra time in the last 32.

As the curtain falls on a spectacular tournament, The Daily Star Sport team unveils its definitive World Cup Best XI. Lining up in a dynamic 4-3-3 formation, this star-studded lineup balances elite tactical discipline with unstoppable attacking flair.

At World Cup 2026, the men wearing gloves have not merely protected leads or preserved clean sheets. They have shaped matches, inspired underdogs and, in many ways, defined the tournament itself.

The nerve-wracking Round of 32 of the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2026 came to an end on Saturday morning with defending champions Argentina, Colombia and Egypt clinching the final three berths in the Round of 16.

Messi arrives in Miami as the tournament's leading scorer with six goals, having found the net in every match for Argentina. Waiting for him is a defence unit that has frustrated some of the most accomplished sides.

Traditionally, African nations have been among the most underrated sides in the FIFA World Cup. Although no African nation has ever won the tournament or reached the final in any of its previous 22 editions, their steady rise on the global football stage has gradually changed perceptions about their prospects in the sport’s biggest event.

From established names finally experiencing football's biggest stage to young talents announcing themselves to the world, several first-time World Cup participants have already played decisive roles for their countries.

Cape Verde was among a dozens of countries whose citizens needed to post bonds of up to $15,000 to enter the US under President Donald Trump's sweeping immigration crackdown.

It was as if the Spanish Armada had descended upon Atlanta Stadium on Monday, where reigning European champions Spain took on World Cup debutants Cape Verde in their Group H opener widely billed as one of the biggest mismatches of the tournament.

Spain failed to find a way past inspired Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha as the 40-year-old secured a stunning 0-0 draw for the World Cup debutants and was reduced to tears at his heroics.

Cape Verde keeper Vozinha broke down in tears at the end of Monday's 0-0 draw with Spain