Cape Verdean World Cup star Vozinha completes deal to join Chilean club Colo Colo

After putting in an incredible performance at his first World Cup at age 40, Cape Verde star goalkeeper Vozinha has reportedly reached a verbal agreement to join Chilean club Colo Colo. The move follows a stellar campaign at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where Vozinha helped Cape Verde qualify for the knockout stages in the country’s first-ever appearance. The signing was teased by the club on social media. Named to the FIFA Team of the Tournament, the veteran goalkeeper recorded 18 saves in four matches, including 15 against the two teams that reached the final, while helping Cape Verde go undefeated 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 on his World Cup debut. In the round of 16, Vozinha recorded eight saves in a 3-2 overtime 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 a free agent after his contract with Portuguese second division side Chaves expired. 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 field, Vozinha’s tournament performances garnered widespread international attention, expanding his social following from 50,000 to over 29 million followers after the tournament, alongside reported transfer interest from MLS’s Inter Miami before settling terms with Colo Colo. In Colo Colo, Vozinha will play under Argentine coach Fernando Ortiz as the Santiago club builds its squad for the upcoming Copa Libertadores, the South American equivalent of the UEFA Champions League.