Vozinha, the 40-year-old goalkeeper who became the unexpected star of the 2026 World Cup, has completed his move to Chilean side Colo-Colo. Club president Aníbal Mosa confirmed the deal is finalized, with the veteran shot-stopper set to arrive in Santiago within days for medical tests before an official presentation at the Monumental stadium.
The Cape Verde custodian's journey to this moment defies convention. Born Josimar José Évora Dias, he did not sign his first professional contract until age 26, spending years bouncing between lesser-known leagues in Cyprus, Slovakia, Moldova and Angola before stabilizing at Portugal's Chaves in the second division. Yet at an age when most goalkeepers contemplate retirement, Vozinha delivered a World Cup performance that captured global imagination.
World Cup Breakthrough and Historic Achievement
Cape Verde's remarkable run to the round of 16 stands as the finest result in the island nation's football history. Vozinha anchored the defense with a string of commanding displays, most notably a clean sheet against Spain during group play—a result that stunned football observers worldwide. His team ultimately fell 3-2 to Argentina after extra time in the knockout stage, but not before cementing their legacy. The performance sparked interest from multiple clubs, including Inter Miami in Major League Soccer, where he could have reunited with Lionel Messi. Vozinha chose differently.
"From a sporting point of view, Vozinha is in excellent condition, and that is why we decided to bring him in," Mosa explained to France's RMC network, emphasizing the purely football-based reasoning behind the signing rather than marketing appeal alone.
From Anonymity to Global Recognition
Beyond tactical influence, Vozinha became a cultural phenomenon during the tournament. Support from Brazilian content creator Casimiro amplified his visibility across social media platforms. His Instagram following exploded from approximately 50,000 followers to nearly 30 million in just weeks—a testament to how modern football transcends traditional boundaries. This transfer represents his first significant opportunity at a major South American club, where he aims to build on a World Cup platform that few athletes experience at such career stages.
