Vozinha Colo Colo deal agreed after Cape Verde World Cup run
Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha is set to join Colo Colo after a breakout World Cup that made him a global fan favorite.
By Lucas Ferreira · Science & Environment Writer
3 min read
Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha has agreed a Colo Colo move after his standout World Cup performances, Al Jazeera reported, citing AFP, Reuters and The Associated Press. Colo Colo president Anibal Mosa said Saturday that the 40-year-old will go to Chile for medical checks before the club presents him at Estadio Monumental.
The deal gives Chile’s most decorated club one of the tournament’s most visible players. Vozinha, whose full name is Josimar Jose Evora Dias, became a global talking point as Cape Verde advanced from the World Cup group stage, according to Al Jazeera.
Who is Vozinha?
Vozinha is Cape Verde’s veteran goalkeeper and was a central figure in the national team’s World Cup campaign, according to Al Jazeera. He was credited with three clean sheets in the group stage and helped Cape Verde reach the knockout round.
Al Jazeera reported that Vozinha drew international attention after Cape Verde held Spain to a 0-0 draw. He also made notable saves against leading opponents, including defending champion Argentina, according to the same report.
Before the summer, Vozinha had left Chaves, a club in Portugal’s second tier, Al Jazeera reported. FIFA later included him in its fan-selected World Cup dream team, according to the report.
What did Colo Colo say about Vozinha?
Mosa said Vozinha would become a Colo Colo player once he completed the normal medical process in Chile, according to Al Jazeera. The club president said the goalkeeper’s World Cup form showed he had earned the opportunity.
Mosa also acknowledged that the signing had commercial value for Colo Colo, Al Jazeera reported. The Chilean club teased the move on social media with an image that appeared to reference Vozinha’s curly hair.
Colo Colo are based in Santiago and play their home matches at Estadio Monumental, according to Al Jazeera. The club sit top of Chile’s Liga de Primera, the report said.
Al Jazeera also described Colo Colo as Chile’s most successful club and the country’s only team to have won the Copa Libertadores. The South American title remains a defining part of the club’s status in the region.
How did Vozinha become a social media star?
Vozinha’s profile grew beyond football during the World Cup, Al Jazeera reported. Brazilian influencer Casimiro helped amplify interest in the goalkeeper, whose Instagram following rose from 50,000 to nearly 30 million, according to the report.
His family story also drew attention. Al Jazeera reported that Vozinha said his mother, Ana Candida Evora, could not travel to watch him because of the cost of a bond payment tied to a United States visa.
She later received a visa with travel fees waived after lobbying by US House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries, according to Al Jazeera. The episode added to the public attention around Vozinha during Cape Verde’s World Cup run.
This story draws on original reporting from Al Jazeera.