​July 10 (Reuters) — Spanish biologist and devoted soccer fan Jesus Ortea has named a newly discovered sea snail species in honor of Vozinha, the Cape Verde goalkeeper who astonished fans by denying all of Spain’s attempts in his country’s World Cup debut. The tiny, vibrant red mollusk, now designated Aldisa vozinha, was found in the Caribbean, and Ortea timed the publication of his discovery to align with the ongoing World Cup competition.
“We have chosen the name vozinha in honor of Vozinha, who played a prominent role in his country’s World Cup debut against The Reds (Spain),” Ortea wrote in his paper. “The coloration of the species is intended as a tribute to that achievement.” Vozinha, 40, emerged as one of the tournament’s breakout stars, helping Cape Verde reach the Round of 32, where he again stood out in a dramatic extra-time loss to world champions Argentina.
Ortea, a professor emeritus at the University of Oviedo, has long studied the waters around the Cape Verde archipelago. In recognition of his contributions, he was awarded the Medal of Merit by Cape Verde in 2023. The 75-year-old biologist’s enthusiasm for soccer has previously manifested in the naming of marine species after other football figures, including former Costa Rica and Real Madrid goalkeeper Keylor Navas and Quini, the Spain and Sporting Gijón striker who rose to prominence in the 1970s and 1980s.
Ortea’s latest taxonomic choice highlights a growing trend of scientists honoring contemporary athletes through species names, blending the worlds of biology and football in a way that resonates with fans across borders. The Aldisa vozinha designation adds to a legacy of researchers who use nomenclature to spotlight memorable sports moments, intriguing the scientific community and sports enthusiasts alike.
This naming underscores the cultural crossover between science and sport, reflecting how global events like the World Cup can inspire scientific nomenclature and public interest in biodiversity. By linking a newly discovered marine creature to Vozinha, Ortea not only preserves a moment from Cape Verde’s historic World Cup appearance but also draws attention to the rich biodiversity of the Caribbean region where Aldisa vozinha was found.
The broader implications of such taxonomic choices extend beyond fanfare. They encourage public engagement with marine biology, offering a relatable entry point for audiences who might not otherwise encounter scientific literature. As Aldisa vozinha enters the annals of taxonomic records, the story of Vozinha’s legendary World Cup performance remains intertwined with the natural world, illustrating how science and sport can celebrate achievement in tandem.
Reporting by Nick Mulvenney, editing by Rosalba O’Brien.