In brief
Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha, famed for clutching a clean sheet against Spain in the 2026 World Cup, has earned a unique honour: a small red sea slug, Aldisa vozinha, named after him by marine biologist Jesus Ortea. The species was discovered in the Caribbean and celebrates the goalkeeper’s heroic performance, with the slug’s red colour symbolising his ‘red‑one’ nickname. This accolade follows a medal of merit already awarded to Ortea for his research around Cape Verde. The naming draws parallels between sport and science, commemorating genuine teamwork across oceans and football pitches.
In a novel twist of recognition, Cape Verde’s prized goalkeeper, Jorge “Vozinha” Vieira, has been immortalised beneath the waves as a newly discovered sea slug named Aldisa vozinha.
Marine biologist Jesus Ortea, who uncovered the tiny red mollusc in the Caribbean, chose to honour Vozinha’s clean‑sheet triumph against Spain in the 2026 World Cup. The slug’s striking red colour mirrors the coloured football team’s “Red One” nickname, and Ortea explained in his paper that the naming celebrates the goalkeeper’s prominent role.
Vozinha’s spectacular game, where he saved seven shots and kept a clean sheet, catapulted him from a local hero to a global phenomenon, with his Instagram followers swelling to 17.4 million after the match. The World Cup buzz has cemented him as one of the most recognizable figures from the small island nation.
Ortea, who has a history of naming species after football stars—including Keylor Navas and Quini—has also been honoured by Cape Verde, receiving a Medal of Merit in 2023 for his extensive research on the waters around the archipelago.
While this new species may seem an unusual tribute, it underscores a growing trend of cross‑disciplinary honours that celebrate achievements both on the pitch and in the scientific community.
