Santiago: Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha to join Colo Colo
Vozinha’s Move to Colo Colo
Vozinha, the goalkeeper for Cape Verde, is set to join Chilean club Colo Colo. This move follows his notable performances during the recent World Cup. The Colo Colo president, Anibal Mosa, confirmed the upcoming transfer, stating that Vozinha will travel to Chile for medical examinations before his official presentation at the Estadio Monumental in Santiago.
The 40-year-old goalkeeper arrived at the World Cup without a club, as his contract with Portuguese second-division side Chaves had concluded. However, his displays during the tournament garnered significant attention, particularly his role in a goalless draw against Spain, who were among the eventual champions.
Mosa highlighted that Vozinha’s World Cup performances justified the transfer, also acknowledging the marketing benefits this signing brings to Colo Colo. The club, based in the Chilean capital, currently leads the Liga de Primera, Chile’s top football division. Although the transfer is not yet fully finalised, Colo Colo hinted at the signing on social media by sharing an image featuring Vozinha’s distinctive curly hair.
World Cup Impact and Rising Popularity
Vozinha became a prominent figure and gained millions of new followers on social media after Cape Verde secured their first-ever World Cup point against Spain in the group stage. Cape Verde, noted as the second smallest nation to participate in the World Cup finals, nearly caused an upset against Argentina in the round of 32. They were ultimately eliminated with a 3-2 extra-time defeat by Lionel Messi and his teammates, who had entered the tournament as defending champions and went on to reach another final.
His impressive run of performances helped Cape Verde achieve their best result in national team history by reaching the round of 32. A particular highlight was his clean sheet against Spain. Vozinha’s standout displays throughout the tournament included a series of remarkable saves, notably against Lionel Messi, where he denied the Argentine superstar on multiple occasions. These efforts almost led his side to one of the biggest upsets in the World Cup’s history.
The goalkeeper’s popularity surged, partly due to the backing from Brazilian content creator Casimiro. His Instagram following saw a substantial increase, growing from approximately 50,000 to nearly 30 million within a few weeks. Pico Lopes, a defender for Cape Verde, praised Vozinha, describing him as a quality goalkeeper who had not received the recognition he deserved previously, and called him a legend in Cape Verdean football.
Career Trajectory and Future Chapter
Born Josimar José Évora Dias, Vozinha’s professional career began at the age of 26. He had previously played club football in various countries, including Cyprus, Slovakia, Moldova, and Angola, before his recent spell with Chaves in Portugal. His career has largely been characterised by free transfers, with previous clubs including AS Trencin, AEL Limassol, Gil Vicente, Zimbru Chisinau, and Progresso.
The move to Colo Colo as a free agent concludes weeks of speculation that had linked the veteran goalkeeper with a transfer to Inter Miami, where he might have played alongside Lionel Messi. However, Vozinha has opted to join Colo Colo instead. Mosa affirmed that the transfer was driven by sporting considerations, noting Vozinha’s excellent form as the reason for the decision to sign him.
With 92 international appearances since his debut for Cape Verde in 2012, Vozinha now embarks on a new phase of his career at Colo Colo. He aims to build upon the global recognition he achieved through his inspiring performances at the World Cup.
Vozinha will travel to Chile in the coming days to complete his medical examinations.
Source: bbc.com
