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After putting on an incredible performance in his debut World Cup at 40-years old, Cape Verde’s star goalkeeper Vozinha has reportedly reached a verbal agreement to join Chilean club Colo Colo, Fox Sports reports.
The transfer follows a breakout campaign at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where Vozinha helped lead Cape Verde to the round of 32 in the country’s first-ever appearance. The signing was teased by the club on social media.
Named to FIFA’s team of the tournament, the veteran goalkeeper recorded 18 saves across four matches, 15 of which came against the two teams that reached the final, while helping Cape Verde without a loss in 90 minutes.
His tournament highlighted a seven-save clean sheet in a scoreless draw against eventual World Champions Spain, making him the oldest goalkeeper to record a shutout in a World Cup debut.
In the round of 32, Vozinha registered eight saves during a 3-2 extra-time loss to Argentina, garnering praise from Lionel Messi and other legends of the sport.
Born Josimar Jose Evora Dias, the goalkeeper entered the World Cup as an unattached free agent after his contract expired with Portuguese second-division side Chaves.
Also Read: Cape Verde Goalkeeper Now World’s Most Followed Goalkeeper on Instagram with Over 20m Followers
He adopted the name Vozinha early in his career to avoid sharing a name with a teammate, referencing a childhood nickname given to him while being raised by his grandparents.
Off the pitch, Vozinha’s tournament performances generated widespread international attention, expanding his social media following from 50,000 to over 29 million followers after the tournament, alongside reported transfer interest from MLS side Inter Miami prior to settling on terms with Colo Colo.
At Colo Colo, Vozinha will play under Argentine manager Fernando Ortiz as the Santiago club builds its roster for the upcoming Copa Libertadores, the South American equivalent to the UEFA Champions League.
1 Comment
Sometimes I wonder about the criteria for top European clubs or even EPL clubs for their goalkeeping roles. Is this guy not better than most EPL goal minders?
That was how Nwabali, too, was deceived and thought he’d done enough to attract European suitors, being the number 1 for a major African brand as the SE, and helping the team reach the 2nd and 3rd places at the Afcon in a row.
But it was crickets for 6 months. Chief has to return to his old club in SA.