Colo-Colo Secures Cape Verde Hero Vozinha After World Cup Breakthrough
The veteran goalkeeper has landed in Chile to finalize a short-term deal with the league leaders. Following a viral performance at the World Cup, the 40-year-old looks to solidify Colo-Colo's title charge.
Key takeaways
- Vozinha signs a six-month contract with Colo-Colo on August 3, 2026, featuring a potential one-year extension.
- The goalkeeper became a social media star during the World Cup, growing his Instagram following to 17.4 million.
- Chilean authorities granted a special exemption for the player to use his nickname on his match jersey.
- Vozinha is expected to debut for the Chilean league leaders against O'Higgins on August 16.
Santiago Arrival and Contract Details
Josimar Jose Evore Dias, the 40-year-old goalkeeper widely known as Vozinha, arrived in Chile this week to finalize his move to Colo-Colo. The Cape Verdean international is scheduled to undergo medical examinations before signing a six-month contract on Monday, August 3, 2026. This agreement includes a clause for a one-year extension based on performance. If the medical checks are successful, the veteran will join first-team training on Tuesday, August 4.
The World Cup Phenomenon
Vozinha’s move to the Chilean Premier Division follows a historic run during Cape Verde's debut World Cup appearance in North America. The island nation successfully navigated the group stage, securing draws against heavyweights Spain and Uruguay. While they eventually fell to Argentina in the Round of 32, Vozinha’s displays turned him into a global digital sensation. His Instagram following surged from 50,000 to approximately 17.4 million after his performance against Spain in June.
Regulatory Hurdles and Debut Timeline
Despite strict domestic regulations regarding jersey names, Colo-Colo secured a special exemption on Friday, July 31, allowing the player to wear "Vozinha" on his kit. Rival Chilean clubs supported the request, resolving a potential dispute over South American registration rules. The nickname, which translates to "little grandmother" in Portuguese, originated from his childhood when he would return to his grandparents after losing street football matches.
Strategic Impact for Colo-Colo
- The club expects the former Chaves goalkeeper to make his competitive debut on August 16 against O'Higgins.
- Colo-Colo currently holds a significant lead at the top of the Chilean Premier Division standings.
- Vozinha brings extensive international experience, having played in Angola, Cyprus, Moldova, Slovakia, and Portugal.
Source: The Hindu — Sport
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