In one day, a staggering 156-fold increase: 40-year-old Cape Verde goalkeeper's followers surge to 7.8 million, surpassing priciest keeper and two NBA superstars

On June 16, Beijing time, following seven incredible saves that secured a draw for debutants Cape Verde against Spain, Vozinha, aged 40, shot to fame overnight.

After the match, Vozinha's social media followers skyrocketed,jumping from fewer than 50,000 to over 7.8 million in just one day—a 156-fold increase.This figure has propelled his recognition and commercial worth to new heights, fundamentally reshaping his life.

For comparison, the most valuable goalkeeper in football today, Manchester City's Donnarumma, has fewer than 7 million followers, while Liverpool's Brazilian keeper Alisson has around 8 million, only slightly more than Vozinha.

In other fields, NBA basketball star Wembanyama has just over 6 million followers, and Finals MVP Jalen Brunson has a mere 1.8 million.

In other words, with his stunning performance against Spain in his World Cup debut, Vozinha has amassed more followers than the entire careers of two major NBA stars combined. This once again highlights how football remains the undisputed king of sports in today.

In Group H's opening match of the World Cup on the 16th, Spain drew 0-0 with Cape Verde in a major upset. Vozinha, a keeper valued at just 50,000 euros, made seven saves to seven saves to blank Spain, transforming from an obscure, near-retirement veteran, he instantly became an inspirational idol praised by millions of fans.