Tens of thousands of jubilant supporters flooded the airport in Praia on Sunday to welcome home Cape Verde's national football team, the Blue Sharks, after a landmark debut at the FIFA World Cup.

The players landed in the capital to scenes of pure celebration — drums beating, flags waving, chants ringing out — as fans transformed the arrivals area into a full-scale carnival.

Vozinha's words to the crowd

Goalkeeper Vozinha — real name Josimar José Évora Dias — became one of the tournament's breakout stars and drew attention from across the globe. Speaking to the BBC at the airport, he reflected on the journey with quiet pride.