Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha has been nominated for the Goalkeeper of the Year award at the 2026 Ballon d’Or after his impressive performances at the World Cup.
The 40-year-old has been included in the 10-player shortlist following a memorable tournament in which he emerged as one of the competition’s most popular figures.
Vozinha produced one of the standout goalkeeping performances of the World Cup when Cape Verde faced eventual champions Spain in the group stage. He made seven saves to help his side secure a goalless draw against the tournament favourites.
Cape Verde went on to reach the knockout stages before their campaign ended with an extra-time defeat to Argentina.
The goalkeeper’s World Cup exploits came after a second season with Portuguese second-tier club Chaves, where he made 19 appearances. He subsequently moved to Chilean club Colo-Colo following the tournament.
Vozinha has also seen his popularity soar, gaining millions of followers on social media after his performances in the World Cup.
He faces competition for the award from Real Madrid’s Thibaut Courtois, Arsenal’s David Raya, Barcelona’s Joan Garcia, Borussia Dortmund’s Gregor Kobel and Chelsea’s Emiliano Martinez.
Yassine Bounou, Édouard Mendy, Matvey Safonov and Unai Simón complete the shortlist.
Notably, current Yashin Trophy holder Gianluigi Donnarumma has not been nominated, while Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker, France’s Mike Maignan and England’s Jordan Pickford also miss out.
The winner will be announced at the 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony in London on October 26.
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