Cape Verde's veteran goalkeeper, Vozinha, one of the most talked-about players at the recent World Cup, has officially joined Chilean football powerhouse Colo Colo. The 40-year-old, whose heroics for his national side captivated audiences worldwide, is expected to travel to Chile shortly to complete his medical examinations and be formally presented at the Estadio Monumental in Santiago.
Vozinha's move to the South American club follows a sensational tournament where he became a breakout star. Despite Cape Verde being a relatively small island nation, their strong run, which included a narrow 3-2 extra-time defeat to Lionel Messi's Argentina in the Round of 32, was largely attributed to his exceptional goalkeeping. He produced a string of remarkable saves against formidable opponents, including eventual champions Spain and defending champions Argentina, earning widespread acclaim.
The signing was confirmed by Aníbal Mosa, president of Blanco y Negro, the company managing Colo Colo. Mosa stated that Vozinha would become a Colo Colo player, generating considerable excitement among the club's supporters and across Chile, especially given the national team's failure to qualify for the World Cup for the third consecutive time. The club themselves announced the news on their social media pages on Friday, welcoming their new acquisition.
Remarkably, Vozinha, whose full name is Josimar Dias, was without a club contract during his World Cup exploits. His stellar performances on the global stage not only elevated Cape Verde's profile but also saw his personal social media following skyrocket from under 50,000 to nearly 29 million, underscoring his newfound global recognition. He is believed to have penned an 18-month deal with the Chilean giants.
This transfer marks a significant moment for both Vozinha and Colo Colo. For the goalkeeper, it provides a high-profile club platform following a career-defining tournament. For Colo Colo, it brings a player with immense recent form and global recognition, boosting their squad and fan engagement ahead of upcoming domestic and continental competitions.