The 40-year-old shot-stopper, whose full name is Josimar José Évora Dias, has emerged as one of the standout stories of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. His heroic displays for the Blue Sharks, including a man-of-the-match performance with seven saves in a 0-0 draw against Spain, helped Cape Verde advance to the round of 16 before a narrow extra-time defeat to Argentina.
Vozinha is currently a free agent after his contract with Portuguese second-division side GD Chaves expired at the end of June 2026. He made 51 league appearances for the club across two seasons.
According to reports, Colo Colo have sent an initial proposal to the player’s representatives, who have responded with a counter-offer. The club is expected to decide soon between Vozinha and Uruguayan goalkeeper Santiago Mele, whose own negotiations have reportedly cooled. Vozinha also has interest from other South American clubs.
Veteran with a Storied Career
Born on 3 June 1986 in Mindelo, Cape Verde, the 1.89m goalkeeper has enjoyed a nomadic club career spanning multiple continents. He began at local sides Batuque and Mindelense before moving to Angola’s Progresso do Sambizanga, Moldova’s Zimbru Chișinău, Portugal’s Gil Vicente, Cyprus’s AEL Limassol (where he won the domestic cup), Slovakia’s AS Trenčín, and finally Chaves.
Vozinha holds more than 90 caps for Cape Verde, making him one of the most capped players in the nation’s history. He has featured in four Africa Cup of Nations tournaments and, most notably, the 2026 World Cup, where he kept two clean sheets and made a significant impression with his shot-stopping and leadership.
His nickname “Vozinha” (meaning “little grandma” in Cape Verde Creole) originates from childhood, when he would seek comfort from his grandparents after rough street games with older boys.
Marketing Appeal and Global Buzz
Beyond his on-pitch contributions, Vozinha’s World Cup exploits have turned him into a social media phenomenon, with his Instagram following surging from around 50,000 to millions of new followers in a short period. This commercial upside is likely a factor in clubs’ interest.
A move to Colo Colo would mark his first experience in South American football and represent a significant coup for the club, known for its passionate fanbase and competitive stature in the Chilean Primera División.
No official confirmation has yet been issued by Colo Colo or the player’s camp regarding the status of talks. Discussions remain ongoing, with both sides aiming to reach an agreement that suits the veteran goalkeeper’s desire to continue playing at a high level.
As the transfer window progresses, all eyes will be on whether Vozinha’s fairytale World Cup run culminates in a new chapter with one of Chile’s biggest clubs.