World Cup hero Vozinha joins Chilean giants Colo Colo
Cape Verde's 40-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha, who became a global sensation after his heroic World Cup performances, is set to sign for Chilean champions Colo Colo following medical tests in Santiago.
Historic World Cup run
Josimar Jose Evora Dias, the 40-year-old Cape Verdean goalkeeper known as Vozinha, is joining Colo Colo after his remarkable World Cup performances captured global attention earlier this year.
The Chilean club's president Anibal Mosa confirmed the signing ahead of a league match on Friday evening, stating that Vozinha will arrive in Chile within days to undergo medical examinations before being presented at the Monumental Stadium.
Vozinha emerged as an unlikely hero when Cape Verde, a nation of approximately half a million people, became the smallest country ever to reach the World Cup knockout rounds. The island nation's historic achievement included a goalless draw against Spain, who would go on to defeat Argentina 1-0 in extra time to claim the championship with a Ferran Torres goal in the 106th minute of the final.
Against Spain, Vozinha became the oldest goalkeeper to keep a clean sheet in his World Cup debut, making seven crucial saves to deny one of the tournament favorites. He followed that performance with another heroic display in a 3-2 extra-time defeat to Argentina in the knockout stage.
Social media phenomenon
Beyond his on-field heroics, Vozinha became an internet sensation during the tournament. His Instagram following exploded from 50,000 to nearly 30 million followers, largely due to support from Brazilian streamer Casimiro Miguel, known as Cazé. During the Spain match broadcast on his YouTube channel CazéTV, which has over 31 million subscribers and held rights to all 104 World Cup games, Casimiro noticed Vozinha's modest social media presence and encouraged his massive audience to follow the goalkeeper.
Late-blooming career
Vozinha's path to prominence has been unconventional. He did not turn professional until age 25, making his debut with Batuque FC in 2007. The nickname Vozinha, meaning 'Little Granny' in Portuguese, was adopted early in his career to distinguish himself from a teammate with the same name.
His journeyman career has taken him across multiple continents, with stints in Portugal, Cyprus, Slovakia, Moldova and Angola. Despite playing professionally for nearly two decades, he has won just one trophy, the 2018-19 Cypriot Cup with AEL Limassol. Most recently, he played for Chaves in the Portuguese second division.
Joining Chilean powerhouse
Colo Colo represents a significant step up in profile. The Santiago-based club are 34-time Chilean champions and currently dominate the 2026 league season with 33 points from 14 matches, holding a comfortable lead at the top of the table.
Mosa expressed confidence in the signing, saying the goalkeeper remains in excellent form despite his age. The move offers Vozinha a chance to compete for silverware with one of South America's most successful clubs while continuing to build on the global recognition he earned through his World Cup exploits.
