The discovery of a new species of sea snail coincided with the start of the World Cup, leading the scientist who discovered it to name it after the now-famous Cape Verde goalkeeper.
Spanish biologist Jesus Ortea often combines his love of football with his scientific work. He has previously named a creature after former Spanish striker Quini, and another discovery in Costa Rica was named after the country’s former goalkeeper, Keylor Navas.
Ortea has a special connection with Cape Verde after he was awarded their Medal of Merit in 2023 for his work in the waters around the island nation. They are fan favorites of the World Cup, due in part to the popularity of their goalkeeper after the 0-0 draw with Spain.
Ortea’s discovery in detail
In a report shared on ResearchGate, the scientist outlined his discovery of a new species of tiny, red sea snail in the Caribbean. The announcement coincided with the World Cup.
As a result of the heroic performance that Cape Verde’s goalkeeper, Vozinha, put in against Ortea’s home nation of Spain, he has elected to honor the 40-year-old by naming the species after him. As such, the species is called Aldisa vozinha.
Ortea explained in the paper the reason for his decision. “We have chosen the name vozinha in honour of Vozinha,” he said. “Who played a prominent role in his country’s World Cup debut against The Reds (Spain). The colouration of the species is intended as a tribute to that achievement.”
Cape Verde crashed out of the tournament in a dramatic 3-2 loss to Argentina after extra time, but Vozinha was singled out as worthy of praise by football fans.
For more on the World Cup, check out our coverage of FIFA selling pieces of the World Cup final pitch for $450, or the Norwegian airline changing its profile picture after losing a bet to British Airways.
