In brief
Cape Verde’s lone goalkeeper Vozinha earned praise worldwide for his World Cup performance and now is commemorated in a new species of sea slug, Aldisa vozinha, discovered by biologist Jesus Ortea. The bright red mollusc reflects Vozinha’s moment of save against Spain’s La Roja and echoes his impact on the pitch. The naming also highlights Portugal’s academic contribution to marine science. Vozinha’s worldwide fan base swelled to 17.4 million followers after the match, solidifying his status as a football icon. This honors celebrate the intersection of sport and science.
After winning plaudits across the globe for his World Cup performances with Cape Verde, goalkeeper Vozinha has another honour – with a newly discovered species of sea slug being named after him.
\The small red mollusc was discovered by biologist Jesus Ortea in the Caribbean and he opted to name it after the 40‑year‑old star of the tiny nation’s campaign.
\It now has the name Aldisa vozinha.
\Cape Verde are the second smallest nation ever to reach the World Cup finals. Having progressed through the group stage they took holders Argentina all the way before exiting the competition with a 3‑2 extra‑time defeat in the last 32.
\Before that, Vozinha’s heroics saw them claim their first World Cup point in a goalless draw with European champions Spain.
\In a report outlining his discovery, biologist Ortea said he wanted to mark Vozinha’s “prominent role” and pointed out that it also came against a team nicknamed La Roja – The Red One.
\The red colour of the dedicated species is a reminder of his feat.
\During that game, Vozinha’s performance made his fame explode overnight, and his 50,000‑strong Instagram following ballooned to 17.4 million – more than athletes such as NFL legend Tom Brady.
\Ortea, professor emeritus at the University of Oviedo, was awarded a Medal of Merit by the island nation in 2023 for his work in the waters around Cape Verde.
\It has not been the first time the 75‑year‑old football fan has combined two passions.
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