Cabo Verde goalkeeper Vozinha was officially unveiled by Chilean giants Colo Colo on 5 August at the Monumental David Arellano Stadium in Santiago, completing a move that had been in the works since July. The signing comes off the back of a landmark 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign in which Vozinha helped Cabo Verde advance to the knockout rounds — and was voted the tournament's best goalkeeper by fans.

The Signing and Unveiling

Vozinha, whose full name is Josimar Jose Evora Dias, arrived at Colo Colo as a free agent after parting ways with Portuguese second-division side G.D. Chaves in June. The 40-year-old passed a medical before completing paperwork at Colo Colo's Santiago headquarters. His unveiling drew dozens of media representatives, reflecting the scale of attention the veteran shot-stopper has attracted following his World Cup heroics.

The move had been announced in July but was delayed by visa complications and personal matters before finally being formalised. Colo Colo have signed Vozinha for the remainder of Chile's 2026 domestic season.

What Vozinha Said

'I expected something big, because we are talking about Colo Colo, a club with great history, but I did not expect so many people,' Vozinha said at the news conference. 'I am happy to be received by so many people. I have to thank the whole universe, God and everyone.'

The goalkeeper also reflected on a career that began later than most. 'I started playing professionally at 25. I come from a very small country, with very few opportunities, almost none,' he said. 'I represent the Cape Verdean people, who work hard and never give up. For me, representing that is very rewarding.'

Why This Move Matters

Vozinha's arrival is a statement signing for a club already dominating Chilean football. Colo Colo is Chile's most decorated club and the country's only Copa Libertadores winner, having claimed South America's premier club trophy in 1991. The Santiago side currently leads the Chilean Primera Division with 42 points from 17 matches, a commanding 12 points clear of second-placed Universidad de Chile.

Notably, signing a goalkeeper who was the fan-voted best at a FIFA World Cup — at age 40 — is virtually without precedent in Chilean club football. It underscores both Vozinha's extraordinary World Cup performance and Colo Colo's ambition to consolidate their domestic dominance.

Cabo Verde's World Cup Journey

Vozinha's World Cup campaign with Cabo Verde was the defining chapter of his career. The island nation, with a population of under 600,000, reached the knockout stages of the 2026 FIFA World Cup — a historic achievement for a country with, as Vozinha himself acknowledged, 'very few opportunities.' His performances between the posts were central to that run, earning him the fan-voted best goalkeeper award for the tournament.

With Colo Colo well-placed for a domestic title and Vozinha bringing world-stage pedigree, the remainder of Chile's 2026 season will be closely watched.