Cape Verdean goalkeeper Josimar José Évora Dias, known as Vozinha, has arrived in Santiago, Chile, to join football club Colo Colo.
The move follows a high-profile performance by the veteran during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. His arrival marks a rare instance of a player joining a top-tier South American side at age 40 [1], signaling the club's desire for experienced leadership in the goal.
Vozinha landed at the Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport to finalize terms with the organization [1], [2]. The recruitment process gained momentum after the player attracted international attention on the world stage. Colo Colo, the most decorated club in Chile with 34 titles [3], had previously presented a formal proposal to secure his services [4].
Reports regarding the exact timing of the signing vary among sources. Some reports indicate the club announced the signing on July 24 [2]. Other accounts suggest the arrival occurred on Sunday, July 19 [1], [4]. Despite these discrepancies, the player's presence in the capital confirms the advanced stage of the negotiations.
Vozinha joins a squad under pressure to maintain its dominance in the Chilean league. The club's management had previously approved his name as a primary option for the goalkeeper position [5]. The signing is viewed as a strategic move to bring World Cup-level experience to the roster, a gamble on longevity that could pay dividends for the team's defensive stability.
The Cape Verdean international is expected to undergo medical examinations before the official unveiling. This transition from the global stage to the Chilean league highlights the growing visibility of African talent in South American football markets.
“Vozinha has arrived in Santiago, Chile, to join football club Colo Colo.”
Vozinha's move to Colo Colo reflects a trend of clubs prioritizing proven international experience over youth, especially for specialized positions like goalkeeping. By signing a 40-year-old coming off a strong World Cup showing, Colo Colo is betting that elite conditioning and mental fortitude can outweigh the risks associated with a player's age in a physically demanding league.
