Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha has signed an 18-month contract [1] with Chilean club Colo-Colo after departing Portuguese side Chaves.
The transfer marks a significant career leap for the veteran athlete following a breakout performance on the world's biggest sporting stage. By joining one of Chile's most prominent teams, Vozinha moves from the Portuguese second tier to a high-pressure environment in Santiago.
Now 40 years old [2], Vozinha entered the transfer market with significant momentum from the 2026 FIFA World Cup. During the tournament, he recorded 18 saves across four matches [1]. His performances were a highlight for Cape Verde, even as the team faced a narrow 3-2 loss against Argentina in the round of 16 [1].
Vozinha said the move to Chile represents the culmination of his professional ambitions. He said the signing was the greatest moment of his club career.
"I always believed I belonged on a bigger stage," Vozinha said [3].
The goalkeeper's transition to South American football comes at a stage in his career where few players maintain such high-level visibility. He said that he had long felt he possessed the skills required for elite competition.
"I always believed I was a 'big club' player," Vozinha said [4].
The announcement of the transfer occurred on Aug. 5 [5], finalizing a deal that provides the goalkeeper with a new base in Santiago. The move follows his ability to maintain peak physical condition and performance levels despite his age.
“This is the greatest moment of my club career.”
Vozinha's transfer is a rare instance of a 40-year-old player gaining significant market value late in their career due to a single tournament. His success at the 2026 FIFA World Cup provided the leverage needed to move from a second-division Portuguese club to a major South American side, demonstrating that international tournament visibility can override age-related biases in professional scouting.
