Goalkeeper’s Journey to Chile
Vozinha, the Cape Verde goalkeeper, is set to join Chilean club Colo Colo. This move comes after his notable performances at the recent World Cup, where he garnered significant attention. The 40-year-old goalkeeper, whose full name is Josimar Jose Evora Dias, will travel to Chile in the coming days to complete medical examinations before his official presentation at the Estadio Monumental.
Colo Colo president Anibal Mosa confirmed the agreement, stating, “Vozinha will be a Colo Colo player.” Mosa also highlighted that Vozinha’s World Cup displays justified the transfer, noting the marketing appeal for the club. Colo Colo, based in Santiago, currently leads the Liga de Primera, Chile‘s top football division. The club teased the signing on social media by sharing an image featuring Vozinha’s distinctive curly hair.
Before the World Cup, Vozinha was a free agent, having left Portuguese second-division side Chaves after his contract expired on July 1. His remarkable journey from being clubless to becoming a sought-after player has been widely discussed. This transfer also concludes speculation that linked him with a move to Major League Soccer, with Lionel Messi‘s Inter Miami reportedly among the interested clubs.
World Cup Impact and Global Recognition
Vozinha’s performances at the World Cup transformed his career and public profile. He entered the tournament with approximately 50,000 Instagram followers, a number that surged to 25 million after the competition. His memorable moments included helping Cape Verde, making their debut in the tournament, secure their first-ever World Cup point in a goalless draw against eventual champions Spain.
Cape Verde, one of the smallest nations to participate in the World Cup finals, nearly caused an upset in the last 32. They took eventual runners-up Argentina into extra time, ultimately losing 3-2. Vozinha’s contributions earned him a spot in FIFA‘s fan-selected World Cup dream team. He recorded 18 saves across four matches, with 15 of these coming against the two teams that reached the final. His seven-save clean sheet against Spain made him the oldest goalkeeper to achieve a shutout in a World Cup debut.
The goalkeeper’s professional career has spanned multiple countries and continents. He has played club football in Slovakia, Angola, Moldova, Cyprus, and Portugal. His move to Colo Colo will add Chile to this extensive list. Vozinha has represented Cape Verde since 2012, accumulating 94 caps, though he remained largely unknown outside his home country before the global tournament.
His childhood nickname, Vozinha, meaning ‘little voice,’ was adopted early in his career to avoid sharing a name with a teammate. This personal detail adds another layer to the story of a player who has become a cult hero and attracted millions of new followers on social media.
Future at Colo Colo
At Colo Colo, Vozinha will play under Argentine manager Fernando Ortiz. The club is currently building its roster for the upcoming Copa Libertadores, which is the South American equivalent of the UEFA Champions League. This move marks a significant chapter in Vozinha’s career, as he heads to Chile with his reputation at an all-time high following his World Cup heroics.
The agreement was confirmed by Colo Colo president Anibal Mosa on Friday.
Source: bbc.com
