Vozinha was one of the standout players of the 2026 World Cup, putting in impressive performances between the posts for Cape Verde at the age of 40.

Beyond his experience, reflexes, and game-saving saves, many noticed some unusual marks around his eyes. The international goalkeeper is reportedly suffering from a pterygium, a benign growth of tissue on the surface of the eye, also known as “surfer’s eye.”

A pterygium develops on the conjunctiva and is often associated with prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation, wind, dust, and severe dry eye. This condition is most commonly seen in people who spend many hours outdoors.

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*photo source: AP