Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha could complete one of the most notable transfers of the summer following his outstanding performance in 2026. FIFA World Cup He is said to have attracted strong interest from Inter Miami. The 40-year-old shot-stopper, who is currently a free agent after leaving Portuguese club GD Chaves, emerged as one of the breakout stars of the tournament as Cape Verde reached the knockout stage in their first World Cup appearance. Reports now suggest David Beckham’s MLS club are preparing to step up their pursuit, although Brazilian sides have also entered the race for the veteran goalkeeper’s signature.
The World Cup turns Vozinha into a leading star
Cape Verde’s World Cup journey may have ended in a dramatic 3-2 extra-time defeat to defending champions Argentina in the Round of 32, but Vozinha’s performances have earned him much admiration throughout the tournament.The veteran goalkeeper finished the competition with 18 saves, repeatedly frustrating some of the strongest attacking sides in the world.He first captured global attention during Cape Verde’s goalless draw against Spain, producing seven saves to preserve a famous clean sheet. The African nation then drew Uruguay and Saudi Arabia to finish second in their group and qualify for the knockout phase.Against Argentina, Vozinha showed once again why he had become one of the stories of the tournament. He made another seven saves during regular time, repeatedly denying Lionel Messi and his teammates as Cape Verde fought back twice to level the score before losing 3-2 after extra time. Argentina’s winning goal came through an own goal, leaving the goalkeeper with little chance to prevent the defending champions from advancing.
Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha (1) saves against Argentina’s Lionel Messi (10) during the World Cup Round of 32 soccer match between Argentina and Cape Verde in Miami Gardens, Florida, Friday, July 3, 2026. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
His exploits have also triggered an extraordinary rise in popularity off the pitch.Before the World Cup, Vozinha had around 50,000 followers on Instagram. That figure exploded to more than 25 million during the tournament, with around 14 million new followers arriving after his standout performance against Spain before his popularity continued to grow throughout Cape Verde’s storied history.
Inter Miami was preparing the move after the departure of Chaves
Vozinha’s impressive feats coincided with a pivotal moment in his club career.The goalkeeper became a free agent after his contract with Portuguese second division side GD Chaves expired on June 30, shortly before the end of Cape Verde’s relegation campaign.Before the tournament, Chaves’ manager Vítor Martins acknowledged that the goalkeeper was preparing for a special chapter in his career.“He’s at a very specific point in his career and he’s living a unique moment in his life, one that maybe he thought was impossible, to play in a World Cup at 40,” said Martins.“I believe he will follow his best path and probably not with Chaves. He was a perfect professional until the end.”That next destination could now be Major League Soccer.According to the Portuguese newspaper rememberInter Miami have expressed “strong interest” in signing Vozinha once the World Cup concludes, with the goalkeeper being “highly regarded” at the club.Mexican outlet The informant he added that although no final agreement has been reached, Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham wants to complete the deal after the tournament and that negotiations are expected to intensify in the coming days and weeks.tvn, Via Marcaalso reported that the Florida club is “extremely interested” in signing the Cape Verdean international, noting that his free agent status makes the move financially attractive because Inter Miami does not need to negotiate a transfer fee.Reports also suggest that the opportunity to train and play alongside Lionel Messi, who only recently faced him at the World Cup stage, is seen as an attractive prospect for the veteran goalkeeper.
Brazilian clubs are also entering the race
Inter Miami, however, is not the only club monitoring the situation.The transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reported that the Brazilian clubs Avaí and Atlético Goianiense have already made direct contact with Vozinha’s representatives.“Brazilian clubs Avai and Atletico Goianiense are making direct contact to try to sign Vozinha,” Romano wrote on social media.“The legendary goalkeeper from Cape Verde is available as a free agent, and both clubs have approached their agents, the Brazilian press reports.”While competition for his signature is growing, Inter Miami are still expected to step up their pursuit after the World Cup, according to multiple reports.
Cape Verde’s goalkeeper Vozinha celebrates while holding his country’s flag after the World Cup Group H soccer match between Spain and Cape Verde in Atlanta, Monday, June 15, 2026. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
Should a move materialize, Vozinha would likely provide competition and experienced leadership behind first-choice goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair, who joined from Minnesota United earlier this year and established himself as Inter Miami’s regular starter. The Cape Verde captain is coming off the best international tournament of his career, having frustrated Lionel Messi during Cape Verde’s memorable World Cup run. If the transfer goes through, the goalkeeper who stood opposite Messi on the sport’s biggest stage could soon be training alongside the Argentine at Inter Miami.