*This content was translated by AI.
Bozaniya (40), the goalkeeper who led Cape Verde's surprising run at the 2026 FIFA North American Cup, has been selected for the Best 11 of the tournament chosen by fans worldwide.
Bozaniya was officially named as the goalkeeper in FIFA's Dream Team announced on the 23rd (Korean time). The World Cup Dream Team is the official FIFA World Cup Best 11 voted on directly by football fans, and Bozaniya received an impressive 39.6% of the votes.
Born in 1986, Bozaniya seized a dramatic opportunity to make his first and only World Cup appearance just before retirement thanks to Cape Verde's historic qualification for the tournament finals. He recorded seven saves from the group stage opener against Spain, keeping a scoreless match and drawing global attention.
In the Round of 32 match against Argentina, he made eight more spectacular saves and played brilliantly. Although his team ultimately lost 2-3 and ended their World Cup journey, Bozaniya's impactful performances against Spain and Argentina earned him a spot in the Dream Team, surpassing other top goalkeepers.
Coincidentally, "Champion" Spain was the only team in this tournament that failed to secure a victory, and it was Cape Verde, guarded by goalkeeper Bozaniya. Argentina, which also faced Bozaniya's saves and engaged in an extended battle with Cape Verde, reached the final of the tournament.
Alongside Bozaniya, football fans worldwide selected Lionel Messi (Argentina), Erling Haaland (Norway), and Kylian Mbappé (France) as the top attackers of this tournament. Among the forwards, Mbappé received the highest vote share at 29.8%, followed by Haaland at 27.46% and Messi at 22.17%.
In midfield, Golden Ball(Choi U-su-seon (수상)) winner Rodri (Spain, 15.34%) was joined by Michael Olise (France, 18.94%) and Jude Bellingham (England, 29.02%).
Defensively, Pedro Porro (18.74%) and Marc Cucurella (22.56%, both from Spain) were selected as full-backs, while Lisandro Martínez (Argentina, 10.28%) and Dayot Upamecano (France, 14.93%) were named center-backs.
Spain's center-back Pau Cubarsí, who allowed only one goal in eight matches, did not make the candidate list.
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*This content was translated by AI.
