Veteran Cabo Verde goalkeeper Vozinha to join Chilean side Colo-Colo after 2026 FIFA World Cup heroics
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By Ben Grounds
Published 25/07/2026 at 21:20 GMT+1
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Cabo Verde goalkeeper Vozinha is set to begin a new chapter in his remarkable career after earning himself a summer transfer move off the back of his breakout performances at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the veteran stopper set to join Chilean giants Colo-Colo.
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The 40-year-old became one of the tournament’s biggest surprise stars after producing a series of outstanding displays against some of the world's leading teams, despite arriving at the competition without a club following the expiry of his contract with Portuguese second-tier side Chaves.
Vozinha's heroics helped guide Cabo Verde to a historic World Cup campaign, with the goalkeeper earning widespread acclaim for his performances against eventual champions Spain and defending champions Argentina.
He announced himself on the global stage with a player-of-the-match display in Cabo Verde's opening fixture, making seven crucial saves in a goalless draw against Spain to secure his country's first World Cup point.
The performance turned the veteran goalkeeper into an overnight sensation, with his Instagram following skyrocketing from fewer than 50,000 before kick-off to almost 29 million by the end of the tournament as fans around the world embraced one of football's most unlikely success stories.
Vozinha continued to impress throughout the competition, helping Cabo Verde reach the knockout stages with another clean sheet against Saudi Arabia before producing another standout display in their dramatic 3-2 extra-time defeat to Argentina.
He again made seven saves against Lionel Messi and his team-mates as the second-smallest nation ever to qualify for the World Cup pushed the holders all the way.
Colo-Colo president Anibal Mosa has confirmed that an agreement has been reached for Vozinha to join the Chilean club, with the goalkeeper set to travel to Santiago for medical examinations before being officially unveiled at the Estadio Monumental.
”Vozinha is going to be a Colo-Colo player,” Mosa said.
”In the next few days, he will travel to Chile, undergo the necessary medical examinations, and then be presented here at the Estadio Monumental.”
Mosa added that only the final administrative details remain before the transfer is completed.
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Vozinha proved that age is no barrier at the World Cup
Image credit: Getty Images
”We have an agreement; the final details are being ironed out, but we already have confirmation from his entourage and his representative,” he said.
”We reached an agreement based on a proposal that we submitted.”
The move represents a remarkable turnaround for Vozinha, who entered the World Cup as a free agent but left it as one of the competition's defining figures. ESPN cited local reports suggesting he has agreed an initial 18-month contract with the Chilean giants.
Colo-Colo also embraced the excitement surrounding the signing by posting a simple message on social media: ”Welcome. We're waiting for you,” prompting an enthusiastic reaction from supporters eager to see one of the World Cup's breakout stars arrive in Santiago.
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The 40-year-old produced moments of greatness on football’s biggest stage
Image credit: Getty Images
Known by his nickname Vozinha but born Josimar Dias, the veteran has enjoyed a career spanning more than two decades, featuring for clubs in Cabo Verde, Moldova, Slovakia, Cyprus and Portugal while earning 94 international caps.
He also made history at the World Cup by becoming the oldest player to appear in a nation's debut match at the tournament, taking to the field against Spain at the age of 40 years and 12 days.
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Cabo Verde's remarkable run captured the imagination of football fans across the globe, while Vozinha's popularity extended beyond the pitch.
Following the tournament, a newly discovered marine mollusc was named Aldisa vozinhai in tribute to the goalkeeper's achievements and his status as one of the country's greatest sporting icons.
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