Vozinha: How Chile Welcomed Cape Verde’s World Cup Sensation
Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha has received a warm welcome in Chile after arriving to complete his move to South American giants Colo-Colo following his breakout performances at the World Cup.
The 40-year-old goalkeeper touched down in Chile to begin a new chapter of his career, with local football fans and media showing strong interest in the veteran who became one of the tournament’s most recognisable personalities.
Vozinha is set to sign a six-month contract with Colo-Colo, with the agreement including the possibility of a one-year extension. He is expected to undergo his medical examination before completing the move on Monday.
The goalkeeper will then join his new teammates in training on Tuesday as Colo-Colo continue their campaign at the top of the Chilean Premier Division. His arrival has generated considerable attention, with supporters eager to see the World Cup star in action.
Chilean media have already speculated that Vozinha could make his debut on August 16 against O’Higgins, giving him the opportunity to make his first competitive appearance for the club in front of his new supporters.
Vozinha arrives to huge attention in Chile
The reception comes after Vozinha’s extraordinary rise to international fame during Cape Verde’s historic World Cup campaign.
Before the tournament, the veteran goalkeeper had a relatively modest following, with around 50,000 people following him on Instagram. His performances against some of the biggest teams in world football, however, dramatically changed his profile.
His following reportedly surged to approximately 17.4 million after his impressive displays during the tournament, particularly following Cape Verde’s encounter with Spain.
That sudden popularity has followed him to Chile, where his arrival has attracted significant attention beyond the normal interest surrounding a new signing.
Cape Verde also made history during the tournament, advancing from the group stage after securing draws against Spain and two-time world champions Uruguay. Vozinha played a major role in helping the African nation compete against some of the world’s most established footballing countries.
Their campaign eventually ended with a narrow defeat to Argentina in the last 32, but the goalkeeper had already established himself as one of the standout personalities of the tournament.
His move to Colo-Colo now gives Chilean football fans an opportunity to watch the veteran goalkeeper at club level.
Colo-Colo make special request for World Cup name
There was further excitement around Vozinha’s arrival after Colo-Colo secured permission for him to use his famous football nickname on his shirt.
The goalkeeper’s official name is Josimar Jose Evore Dias, but football fans around the world know him simply as Vozinha.
Colo-Colo were granted permission on Friday to use the nickname despite Chilean regulations that generally prohibit players from having such names on their official shirts.
The issue was eventually resolved after other Chilean clubs agreed to support Colo-Colo’s request, allowing the goalkeeper to retain the identity that became famous during the World Cup.
The nickname itself has an unusual childhood story. “Vozinha”, meaning “little grandmother” in Portuguese, was reportedly given to him by older children when he was young.
Vozinha ya está en Chile 🇨🇱
— Colo-Colo (@ColoColo) August 3, 2026
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Vozinha is already in Chile 🇨🇱
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A Vozinha já está no Chile 🇨🇱 pic.twitter.com/xKOM2xwcKc
Vozinha lived with his grandparents and would reportedly return home to them after becoming upset when he lost street football matches. The nickname eventually remained with him and later became his identity on the international stage.
Now, that same name will be seen on a Colo-Colo shirt in Chile.
For the club, Vozinha brings experience from a career that has taken him through Portugal, Angola, Cyprus, Moldova and Slovakia. His most recent club was Portuguese second-tier side Chaves.
But in Chile, his biggest attraction is undoubtedly the reputation he built at the World Cup.
Colo-Colo supporters will now wait to see whether the goalkeeper can reproduce the confidence and composure that made him a global sensation.
His expected debut against O’Higgins on August 16 could therefore become more than just another league fixture. It could mark the beginning of the Chilean chapter of a remarkable football story that has taken Vozinha from the streets of Cape Verde to the global stage and now into one of South America’s most passionate football environments.
