Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha unveiled by Colo-Colo in Santiago on August 4 after World Cup surge

Josimar Évora Dias, widely known as Vozinha, was officially unveiled by Colo-Colo in Santiago, Chile, on Tuesday (August 4, 2026) after his breakout performances for Cape Verde at the World Cup. The 40-year-old goalkeeper completed a high-profile move to Chile’s most successful club following the international tournament.

Vozinha spent the bulk of his career with smaller clubs in lower divisions, most recently Chaves in Portugal's second tier, and had long believed he belonged on a bigger stage. His World Cup showing for Cape Verde won over fans worldwide and helped secure the transfer to Colo-Colo, a deal the club announced in late July but saw delayed arrival.

Discussing his decision to join Colo-Colo, Vozinha said: “The decision was very clear. Despite playing in smaller leagues for clubs that weren't exactly giants, deep down I always told myself I was a big club' player.” He acknowledged other offers but stressed his preference: “From day one, I knew where I wanted to play. I received many offers, but Colo-Colo was always the priority,” said Josimar Évora Dias, widely known as Vozinha — a nickname that means “granny” in Portuguese.

The transfer required resolving a regulatory issue: Chilean football rules state that players must wear their legal surnames on their jerseys, and the goalkeeper said he had been frustrated by the prospect of dropping his moniker. “It is the name I have used my entire life. In Cape Verde, it holds great significance and a rich history, and now it does globally as well,” he said. “If my grandmother were alive today, I think she would be proud. I hope to keep using it for the rest of my career as a tribute.”

Vozinha landed at Santiago Airport on Sunday to a raucous welcome from fans armed with flags, signs, and drums, passed his medical and signed his contract on Monday (August 3), and joined his new teammates for training on Tuesday. Colo-Colo had announced the signing in late July, but his arrival was delayed until the completion of those formalities.

His performances against Spain, Uruguay, and Argentina at the World Cup raised his international profile, and his social media following rose from under 50,000 to nearly 30 million in a matter of weeks; he also earned a place in the FIFA World Cup Best XI. Reflecting on the move, he said: “The World Cup was the best thing that ever happened to me in football, but that is in the past now. Being here representing Colo-Colo — a massive club with a rich history — is the highlight of my club career.”

Vozinha could make his debut this Sunday when league-leading Colo-Colo face Unión La Calera. On his immediate aims he added: “Playing in the World Cup comes with immense pressure. I played against the best national teams in the world, and now I just want to work hard and help this team achieve its goals,” Vozinha said.