Vozinha’s Move to Colo Colo Confirmed
Vozinha, the goalkeeper for Cape Verde, is set to join Chilean club Colo Colo. This move follows his notable performances during the recent World Cup. The Colo Colo president, Aníbal Mosa, confirmed the agreement, stating that Vozinha will travel to Chile soon for medical examinations before his official presentation at the Estadio Monumental. This transfer marks a new chapter for the veteran player, who was without a club after his contract with Portuguese second-division side Chaves expired.
The 40-year-old goalkeeper garnered significant attention for his displays at the World Cup, where he became a fan favourite. His performances included a clean sheet against Spain in the group stage, a match that ended in a goalless draw. This particular game was against the team that would eventually become the champions of the tournament. Vozinha‘s efforts helped Cape Verde secure their first-ever World Cup point.
Colo Colo, based in Santiago, currently leads the Liga de Primera, Chile‘s top football division. The club’s president highlighted that the decision to sign Vozinha was driven by sporting logic, acknowledging his excellent form. The club also recognized the marketing appeal associated with bringing in a player who had recently achieved global recognition.
World Cup Heroics and Career Path
Vozinha‘s journey to global recognition at the World Cup was remarkable. Cape Verde, one of the smallest nations to participate in the tournament, reached the round of 32. Their campaign saw them achieve three gritty draws in the group stage. They were eventually eliminated after a narrow 3-2 extra-time defeat to Argentina, who were the defending champions and went on to reach another final.
During the tournament, Vozinha was a standout performer, making a series of crucial saves. He notably denied Lionel Messi on several occasions during the match against Argentina, almost helping his side achieve a significant upset. His performances led to a substantial increase in his social media following, reportedly jumping from around 50,000 to nearly 30 million within a few weeks, partly due to backing from content creators.
Born Josimar José Évora Dias, Vozinha did not sign his first professional contract until he was 26. His career has seen him play club football in various countries, including Slovakia, Angola, Moldova, Cyprus, and Portugal. He has previously represented clubs such as AS Trencin, AEL Limassol, Gil Vicente, and Zimbru Chisinau.
Speculation and Future Prospects
Prior to confirming his move to Colo Colo, there had been speculation linking Vozinha with a transfer to Inter Miami in the United States. Such a move would have seen him play alongside Lionel Messi. However, Vozinha ultimately chose to continue his career with the Chilean club. The transfer to Colo Colo was teased on social media by the club with an image featuring Vozinha‘s distinctive curly hair, and an announcement post with the caption ‘AURA’.
Vozinha‘s career has largely involved free transfers, and he joins Colo Colo as a free agent. Despite reports of a market value, all his professional moves have occurred without a transfer fee. With 92 international appearances since his debut for Cape Verde in 2012, he now embarks on this new chapter with Colo Colo, aiming to build on the global recognition gained from his inspirational World Cup performances.
Cape Verde defender Pico Lopes praised the goalkeeper, calling him a “quality, quality goalkeeper” and a “legend in Cape Verdean football,” suggesting he had not received the recognition he deserved before his World Cup displays. Vozinha himself expressed pride in his team’s achievements, stating after the defeat to Argentina, “We have dignified Cape Verde as a national team in most parts of the world. Today, we fought on an equal footing against Argentina.”
Source: bbc.com
