In brief
Cape Verde goalkeeper Ricardo Vozinha is making history off the pitch after a newly discovered sea slug was named Aldisa vozinha in his honour. The tiny red nudibranch was first found by biologist Jesus Ortea in the Caribbean and reflects Vozinha’s fiery performances at the 2026 World Cup. The name nods to his clean sheet against Spain and the red colour of his new species mirrors the nickname “La Roja”. Ortea’s gesture follows a similar tribute to former Colombian keeper Keylor Navas, and fits a pattern of linking zoological discoveries to celebrated footballers. As Cape Verde advanced to the last 32, fans celebrated the keeper’s heroics with an unexpected splash from marine biology.
After winning plaudits across the globe for his World Cup performances with Cape Verde, goalkeeper Ricardo Vozinha has earned another honour – a newly discovered sea slug has been named after him.
The small red mollusc was uncovered by biologist Jesus Ortea in the Caribbean and he chose the name Aldisa vozinha to pay tribute to the 40‑year‑old star of the tiny nation’s campaign.
Cape Verde are the second‑smallest nation yet to reach the World Cup finals. They progressed through the group stage before taking holders Argentina all the way to the last‑32, losing 3‑2 in extra time.
Vozinha’s heroics gave the island nation its first World Cup point – a goalless draw with European champions Spain.
In his report on the discovery – Ortea explained – he wanted to mark Vozinha’s “prominent role” and noted the species’ red colour pays homage to the “La Roja” he faced.
Vozinha’s performance in that game saw his fame explode overnight. His Instagram following jumped from 50 000 to 17.4 million, eclipsing even NFL legend Tom Brady.
Ortea, a professor emeritus at the University of Oviedo, received a Medal of Merit from the island nation in 2023 for his work studying waters around Cape Verde.
This is not the first time the 75‑year‑old football fan has linked his passions. He had previously named a Costa Rican discovery after Keylor Navas – the former goalkeeper for Real Madrid, Paris Saint‑Germain and Nottingham Forest – and a tiny creature resembling Sporting Gijón’s colours after former striker Quini.
