Goalkeeper Josimar Évora Dias, widely known as Vozinha, has officially completed his high-profile transfer to Chilean powerhouse Colo-Colo, arriving in Santiago on Sunday to a raucous fan welcome after securing a breakout World Cup campaign with Cape Verde according to club announcements and press statements. The 40-year-old goalkeeper, who spent the majority of his career in lower divisions including Portugal’s second tier with Chaves, finalized his medical and contract on Monday before joining his new teammates for training.
Colo-Colo Unveils Vozinha Following Regulatory Approval For Iconic Nickname
Colo-Colo officially unveiled the goalkeeper on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, after announcing the acquisition in late July. Despite attracting multiple offers from other suitors, Vozinha stated at a press conference that Chile’s most successful club remained his undisputed priority from day one.
“The decision was very clear. Despite playing in smaller leagues for clubs that weren’t exactly giants, deep down I always told myself I was a ‘big club’ player,” Vozinha said at the press conference, according to published accounts. “So when Colo-Colo came calling, there was no doubt.”
Finalizing the transfer required navigating a specific Chilean football regulation mandating that players wear their legal surnames on match jerseys. The Chilean Football Federation granted a special regulatory exception, allowing the goalkeeper to preserve the moniker that translates to “granny” in Portuguese.
“It is the name I have used my entire life. In Cape Verde, it holds great significance and a rich history, and now it does globally as well,” Vozinha stated. “If my grandmother were alive today, I think she would be proud. I hope to keep using it for the rest of my career as a tribute.”
World Cup Performances Propel Cape Verde Star to Global Stardom
Vozinha’s high-profile move to South America stems directly from his standout performances on the international stage during Cape Verde’s World Cup run. Facing football powerhouses such as Spain, Uruguay, and Argentina transformed the goalkeeper into a global sensation and earned him a spot in the FIFA World Cup Best XI.
The exposure triggered an extraordinary surge in his digital footprint. According to verified records, his social media following exploded from under 50,000 users to nearly 30 million followers in a matter of weeks.
“The World Cup was the best thing that ever happened to me in football, but that is in the past now,” Vozinha noted. “Being here representing Colo-Colo — a massive club with a rich history — is the highlight of my club career.”
Immediate Debut Prospects in the Chilean Primera División
Having completed his medical examinations and signed his contract on Monday, August 3, 2026, Vozinha participated in his first training session with the squad on Tuesday. League-leading Colo-Colo prepares to face Unión La Calera this coming Sunday, opening a potential window for the newly arrived goalkeeper to make his debut.
“Playing in the World Cup comes with immense pressure. I played against the best national teams in the world, and now I just want to work hard and help this team achieve its goals,” Vozinha said.
Did You Know?
Vozinha’s football nickname translates directly to “granny” in Portuguese, a moniker he requested a special regulatory exemption to wear on his Colo-Colo jersey in honor of his family history.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Vozinha sign with Colo-Colo?
Colo-Colo announced the signing in late July 2026, and the goalkeeper officially completed his medical and signed his contract on Monday, August 3, 2026, before his official unveiling on Tuesday, August 4.
Why is the goalkeeper known as Vozinha?
Josimar Évora Dias plays under the nickname Vozinha, which means “granny” in Portuguese. He successfully obtained a special exception from the Chilean Football Federation to display the moniker on his jersey instead of his legal surname.
Which club did Vozinha play for before joining Colo-Colo?
Before his high-profile transfer, Vozinha spent most of his career with smaller clubs in lower divisions, most recently playing for Chaves in Portugal’s second tier.
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