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By Ishaan Kapoor — 25 July 2026 — 3 min read

Vozinha’s Journey to Colo Colo

Vozinha, the Cape Verde goalkeeper, is set to join Chilean club Colo Colo following his notable performances at the recent World Cup. The 40-year-old, whose full name is Josimar Jose Evora Dias, arrived at the tournament without a club after his contract with Portuguese second-division side Chaves concluded. His displays, however, quickly garnered international attention, making him a sensation.

Anibal Mosa, the president of Colo Colo, confirmed the upcoming transfer. Mosa stated that Vozinha would travel to Chile in the coming days to undergo medical examinations before being officially presented at the Estadio Monumental. The club, based in Santiago, currently leads Liga de Primera, Chile’s top football division. The signing was also teased by Colo Colo on social media, featuring an image highlighting Vozinha’s distinctive curly hair.

The move to Colo Colo marks a significant turn for Vozinha, who was a free agent before the World Cup. His performances during the tournament were a key factor in securing this new club opportunity. Mosa acknowledged that beyond his on-field merit, the signing also holds marketing appeal for Colo Colo.

World Cup Impact and Rising Profile

Vozinha’s impact at the World Cup was immediate and significant. He became a cult hero after Cape Verde, making their debut in the tournament, secured their first-ever World Cup point with a goalless draw against eventual champions Spain. This match saw him record a seven-save clean sheet, making him the oldest goalkeeper to achieve a shutout in a World Cup debut.

Cape Verde, the second smallest nation to ever participate in the World Cup finals, advanced to the round of 32. There, they faced Argentina, who were the tournament holders and went on to reach the final. Cape Verde pushed Argentina into extra time before ultimately exiting the competition with a 3-2 defeat. During this match, Vozinha made eight saves, earning praise from players like Lionel Messi.

His exceptional play earned him a spot in FIFA’s fan-selected World Cup dream team. Before the tournament, Vozinha had approximately 50,000 followers on Instagram; this number surged to over 25 million by the tournament’s conclusion. His rise from an unattached free agent to one of football’s most discussed goalkeepers highlights an extraordinary turnaround in his career.

Career Trajectory and Future Prospects

Vozinha’s professional football journey has spanned multiple countries and continents. He began his career in Cape Verde and Portugal before moving to Angola with Progresso. His career also included stints with Zimbru in Moldova, Gil Vicente in Portugal, AEL Limassol in Cyprus, and AS Trencin in Slovakia. The transfer to Colo Colo will add Chile to this diverse list of countries where he has played.

The agreement with Colo Colo also puts an end to earlier speculation linking Vozinha with a move to Major League Soccer, with Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami reportedly among the interested clubs. Vozinha has represented Cape Verde internationally since 2012, accumulating 94 caps, though he remained largely unknown outside his home country until his World Cup heroics.

At Colo Colo, Vozinha will play under Argentine manager Fernando Ortiz. The club is currently building its roster for the upcoming Copa Libertadores, which is the South American equivalent of the UEFA Champions League. Vozinha’s move to Colo Colo represents another significant chapter in a career transformed by his performances on the global stage.

His profile and future have been significantly altered by the World Cup, taking him from a clubless free agent to a highly sought-after goalkeeper.

Source: bbc.com