Cape Verde’s remarkable World Cup run has opened a new chapter for one of its biggest stars, with veteran goalkeeper Vozinha set to join Chilean champions Colo Colo.
The 40-year-old shot-stopper, whose performances captured the imagination of football fans during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, will travel to Chile in the coming days to complete a medical before officially signing for the Santiago-based club.
Club president Aníbal Mosa confirmed the move ahead of Colo Colo’s league fixture on Friday.
“Vozinha is set to become a Colo Colo player. He will arrive in Chile in the coming days, undergo the necessary medical tests and will then be presented here at the Monumental Stadium,” Mosa told reporters.
The move follows a tournament that transformed Vozinha from a respected professional into one of the World Cup’s breakout figures.
The goalkeeper, whose full name is Josimar José Évora Dias, played a leading role as Cape Verde exceeded expectations on football’s biggest stage. He produced a string of outstanding saves in a goalless draw against eventual champions Spain before delivering another memorable display in his side’s dramatic 3-2 extra-time defeat to finalists Argentina in the knockout stage.
Those performances drew praise well beyond Africa, with many supporters celebrating the composure and leadership of the experienced goalkeeper.
Vozinha joins Colo Colo from Portuguese second-tier side Chaves. His career has been anything but conventional. He did not sign his first professional contract until he was 26 and has since built an impressive journey through clubs in Cyprus, Slovakia, Moldova and Angola before returning to Portugal.
For Mosa, age was never a concern.
“He’s in very good form; that’s why we’re signing him,” he said.
Away from the pitch, Vozinha’s popularity has soared. His World Cup displays, amplified by Brazilian content creator Casimiro, turned him into an unlikely social media phenomenon. His Instagram following reportedly surged from around 50,000 before the tournament to nearly 30 million afterwards.
Colo Colo, Chile’s most successful club with 34 league titles, currently sit comfortably at the top of the domestic table and will hope the experienced goalkeeper adds further depth as they pursue more silverware.
For Vozinha, the transfer is another milestone in a career built on perseverance proof that persistence can sometimes be rewarded long after many players have reached their peak.
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