After weeks of unexpected setbacks that left his transfer in question, 40-year-old Cape Verdean World Cup history-maker Vozinha touched down in Santiago, Chile on Sunday to officially join Chilean powerhouse club Colo Colo. The veteran goalkeeper, who became a global fan favorite during the recent World Cup, expressed his relief and excitement upon arrival, thanking supporters for their patience through the extended wait. “I’m very happy to be here. And I want to thank the fans for the patience they’ve shown while waiting for me,” Vozinha told assembled reporters. “See you at the Monumental Stadium,” he added, referencing Colo Colo’s iconic Santiago home ground.
Chile’s most decorated soccer club first announced the signing of Josimar Évora Dias — the player’s legal name, known universally by his nickname Vozinha — back on July 24. What was supposed to be a swift transfer hit three consecutive snags, however, with administrative documentation hurdles and unplanned personal matters pushing back his arrival multiple times, sparking anxiety among club leadership and fans alike. When Vozinha stepped off the plane at Santiago’s international airport at 8:35 p.m. local time, he was greeted by a throng of passionate supporters, who packed the airport terminal waving club flags, holding welcome banners, and beating drums in celebration.
Vozinha earned his place in World Cup history as the oldest player ever to make their national team debut in the tournament, and cemented his global reputation with a standout performance that held eventual tournament champion Spain scoreless — a result that remains one of the most shocking upsets of the 2022 tournament. Beyond that historic clean sheet, he turned in a series of spectacular saves against elite global sides including Uruguay and Lionel Messi-led Argentina, helping Cape Verde reach the Round of 16 for the first time in the nation’s history. That unexpected deep run turned Vozinha into a global household name; before the tournament, he had fewer than 50,000 Instagram followers, a number that has since skyrocketed to more than 29.5 million. He arrives in Chile following the end of his contract with Chaves, a club competing in Portugal’s second division.
For Colo Colo, the signing of the World Cup breakout star comes as the club sits comfortably atop the Chilean league table, with supporters dreaming of both a domestic title and stronger performances in continental competition next season. “I’m excited. And if Colo Colo wins the title, next year comes the Copa Libertadores, which makes everything even more exciting for all of Chile and South America,” 32-year-old fan Marcos Antonio Barrera told the Associated Press. Fellow supporter Sebastián Paredes echoed that excitement, noting “The Colo Colo family and all of Chile are eagerly waiting. Now he has to earn his place at Colo Colo through talent, dedication, hard work, commitment, and by winning over the fans. Hopefully, he’ll be a great signing and help put Chile on the map.”
In a fitting gesture to welcome the new star, the Chilean Football Federation voted unanimously on Friday to adjust league regulations, granting Vozinha special permission to wear his famous nickname — which means “grandma” in Portuguese — on the back of his jersey. Standard Chilean league rules require players to only use their legal surname on match kits, but the federation made an exception for the global star.
Vozinha is set to complete mandatory medical examinations on Monday before putting pen to paper on his contract. The initial deal is structured as a six-month agreement, with an option to extend the contract for an additional 12 months. He will join his new teammates for his first training session on Tuesday, the same day Colo Colo plans to host an official presentation event to unveil its high-profile new signing to the public and media.