Cape Verde veteran goalkeeper Vozinha, aged 40, is set to sign a six‑month contract with Colo‑Colo, with a possible one‑year extension. After completing his medical on August 3, he will begin training on August 4 and could debut on August 16 against O'Higgins.

Key Takeaways

  • Vozinha, 40, signs a six‑month contract with a one‑year extension option.
  • Medical cleared on Aug 3; training starts Aug 4.
  • Colo‑Colo granted permission to display his nickname "Vozinha" on the jersey.

New Goalkeeper for Colo‑Colo

Cape Verde’s veteran goalkeeper Vozinha (Josimar Jose Evore Dias) arrived in Chile on August 3, 2026, to ink a six‑month deal with Colo‑Colo, which includes a potential one‑year extension. After passing his medical, he will join training sessions on August 4.

World Cup Heroics and Social Media Surge

Vozinha helped Cape Verde reach the World Cup group stage in 2022, holding eventual champions Spain and twice‑world champions Uruguay to draws. His performance catapulted his Instagram followers from ~50,000 to 17.4 million, underscoring his global appeal.

Nickname Jersey Approval

On July 31, Colo‑Colo secured approval from the Chilean Football Federation to feature his World Cup nickname "Vozinha" on the squad shirt, despite local regulations against nicknames. "Vozinha" means “little grandmother” in Portuguese, a moniker given by older kids when he would cry after losing street‑football games and run home to his grandparents.

Historical Background

Cape Verde’s football history is modest, but Vozinha’s signing marks a milestone for African goalkeepers in Chile. Previously, he played for Portuguese second‑division side Chaves and had stints in Angola, Cyprus, Moldova, and Slovakia, bringing a wealth of international experience.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that Vozinha’s seasoned presence will bolster Colo‑Colo’s defense as the club fights to maintain its lead in the Chilean Primera División and aims for continental success.

"Vozinha's experience brings a rare blend of leadership and shot‑stopping to Colo‑Colo," said former Chilean national coach Jorge Sampaoli.
Did You Know?: Vozinha was the first Cape Verde goalkeeper to ever feature in a World Cup, helping his nation achieve its debut on the global stage.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Vozinha expected to debut for Colo‑Colo? He is likely to make his first appearance on August 16 against O'Higgins.

Will his nickname remain on the shirt for the entire contract? The current approval allows it, but any future regulatory changes could prompt a review.