Vozinha’s Move to Colo Colo Confirmed
Vozinha, the goalkeeper for Cape Verde, is set to join Chilean club Colo Colo. The move comes after his notable performances at the World Cup 2026, where he gained significant attention. Anibal Mosa, the president of Colo Colo, confirmed that Vozinha will become a player for the club. He is expected to travel to Chile in the coming days to complete medical examinations before his official presentation at the Estadio Monumental.
The 40-year-old goalkeeper had been without a club after his contract with Portuguese second division side Chaves expired. Despite this, he became a prominent figure during the World Cup, particularly after his performance in a goalless draw against Spain, who were the eventual champions. This standout display contributed to his new club opportunity.
World Cup Performances and Global Recognition
Vozinha’s performances at the World Cup 2026 were a key factor in securing his transfer. He was instrumental in Cape Verde achieving their first-ever World Cup point against Spain in the group stage. The team, representing the second smallest nation to reach the World Cup finals, advanced to the Round of 32.
In the Round of 32, Cape Verde faced Argentina, who were the defending champions and went on to reach another final. Vozinha’s team narrowly exited the competition after a 3-2 extra-time defeat. During this match, Vozinha made several remarkable saves, including denying Lionel Messi on multiple occasions. His efforts almost led to a significant upset in World Cup history.
His impressive displays turned him into a fan favourite and significantly boosted his social media following, which reportedly grew from around 50,000 to nearly 30 million within a few weeks. Pico Lopes, a defender for Cape Verde, praised Vozinha, calling him a “quality, quality goalkeeper” and a “legend in Cape Verdean football.” Vozinha himself commented after the defeat to Argentina, stating, “We have dignified Cape Verde as a national team in most parts of the world. Today, we fought on an equal footing against Argentina.”
Career Path and Future at Colo Colo
Before joining Colo Colo, Vozinha had a career that included playing club football in various countries such as Slovakia, Angola, Moldova, Cyprus, and Portugal. He did not sign his first professional contract until he was 26. His career has largely been built through free transfers, and he was a free agent after leaving Chaves on July 1.
There had been speculation linking Vozinha with a move to Inter Miami in the United States, which would have seen him play alongside Lionel Messi. However, he ultimately chose Colo Colo. Anibal Mosa highlighted the sporting logic behind the transfer, stating that Vozinha is in “excellent form.”
Colo Colo, based in Santiago, currently leads the Liga de Primera, Chile’s top division. The club teased the signing on social media with an image featuring Vozinha’s distinctive curly hair. With 92 international appearances since his debut for Cape Verde in 2012, Vozinha embarks on this new chapter at Colo Colo, aiming to build on the global recognition he achieved during the World Cup.
Source: bbc.com
