Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha will complete one of the most unusual transfers of the summer after his outstanding performances in 2026 FIFA World Cup has reportedly attracted strong interest from Inter Miami. The 40-year-old shot-stopper, now a free agent after leaving Portuguese club GD Chaves, emerged as one of the tournament’s breakout stars as Cape Verde reached the knockout stage in their first ever World Cup appearance. Reports today suggest that David Beckham’s MLS club are preparing to step up their pursuit, although Brazilian teams have also joined the race for the veteran goalkeeper’s signature.
The World Cup made Vozinha a breakout star
Cape Verde’s journey to the World Cup may have ended with a dramatic 3-2 extra-time loss to defending champions Argentina in the Round of 32, but Vozinha’s performances earned widespread praise 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 came to global attention during Cape Verde’s goalless draw against Spain, making seven saves to preserve a famous clean sheet. The African nation held on to Uruguay and Saudi Arabia to draw to finish second in their group and qualify for the knockout stage.Against Argentina, Vozinha proved once again why he has 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 twice fought back to level the score before losing 3-2 after extra time. Argentina’s winning goal came via an own goal, leaving the goalkeeper with little chance to prevent the defending champions from progressing.
Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha (1) makes a save against Argentina’s Lionel Messi (10) during the World Cup round of 32 soccer match between Argentina and Cape Verde in Miami Gardens, Fla., Friday, July 3, 2026. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
His exploits also led to a remarkable rise in popularity off the pitch.Before the World Cup, Vozinha had almost 50,000 followers on Instagram. That number reportedly exploded to more than 25 million during the tournament, with an estimated 14 million new followers arriving after his incredible display against Spain before his popularity continued to soar throughout Cape Verde’s historic run.
Inter Miami are reportedly preparing to make a move following Chaves’ departure
Vozinha’s impressive performances coincided with a pivotal moment in his career at the club.The goalkeeper became a free agent after his contract with Portuguese second-division side GD Chaves expired on June 30, before Cape Verde’s knockout campaign ended.Before the tournament, Chaves’ manager Vítor Martins acknowledged that the goalkeeper is preparing for a special chapter in his career.“He’s at a certain point in his career and living a unique moment in his life, one that he probably thought was impossible, about to play in a World Cup at the age of 40,” Martins said.“I believe he will follow his best path and maybe it won’t be with Chaves. He was a perfect professional until the end.”That next destination may now be Major League Soccer.According to the Portuguese newspaper: Record:Inter Miami have expressed “strong interest” in signing Vozinha once the World Cup is over, with the goalkeeper said to be “highly respected” within the club.Mexican outlet El Informador adding that although a final agreement has not yet 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 through Marcaalso reports that the Florida club is “very interested” in signing the Cape Verdean international, noting that his free-agent status makes the move financially attractive as Inter Miami does not need to negotiate a transfer fee.Reports further suggest that the opportunity to train and play alongside Lionel Messi, who recently faced him on the World Cup stage, is seen as an attractive prospect for the veteran goalkeeper.
Brazilian clubs will also enter the race
Inter Miami, however, is not the only club keeping an eye on the situation.Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reported: that the Brazilian clubs Avaí and Atlético Goianiense have already made direct contact with the representatives of Vozinha.“Brazilian clubs Avai and Atletico Goianiense have made direct contact to try and sign Vozinha,” Romano wrote on social media.“The legendary goalkeeper of Cape Verde is available as a free agent, and both clubs have approached his agents, the Brazilian press reports.”As competition for his signature heats up, Inter Miami are expected to step up their pursuit after the World Cup, according to multiple reports.
Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha celebrates as he holds 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)
If a move were to happen, Vozinha would likely provide experienced competition and leadership behind first-choice goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair, who joined from Minnesota United earlier this year and established himself as a regular starter at Inter Miami. The Cape Verde captain is coming off the best international tournament of his career, having failed Lionel Messi during Cape Verde’s memorable World Cup run. If the transfer goes through, the goalkeeper who stood opposite Messi on the game’s biggest stage could find himself training alongside the Argentine at Inter Miami.