SANTIAGO, Chile — Despite spending the majority of his career with smaller clubs in lower divisions, most recently with Chaves in Portugal‘s second tier, Vozinha always envisioned himself playing on a grander stage.
After a standout performance at the FIFA World Cup representing Cape Verde, where he captured the hearts of fans globally, the 40-year-old goalkeeper has secured a high-profile transfer.
On Tuesday, he was officially presented by Colo Colo, the most successful club in Chilean football.
“The decision was clear-cut for me. Even while playing for smaller clubs, I always believed I was a player for a ‘big club’,” Vozinha stated during a press conference. “So when Colo Colo reached out, there was no hesitation.”
Colo Colo announced his signing in late July, but there were delays in finalizing his move. Vozinha revealed that he had other offers but insisted that the Chilean club was always at the top of his list.
“From the outset, I knew exactly where I wanted to play. I had numerous offers, but Colo Colo was my priority,” said Josimar Évora Dias, known as Vozinha—a nickname meaning “granny” in Portuguese.
Completing the transfer involved navigating a unique regulatory requirement: Chilean football mandates that players display their legal surnames on their jerseys.
The goalkeeper expressed frustration at the thought of giving up his nickname but appreciated the Chilean Football Federation’s willingness to grant a special exception.
“This name is deeply significant to me; I’ve carried it throughout my life. In Cape Verde, it has a rich history, and now it’s recognized globally,” he remarked. “If my grandmother were still here, I believe she’d be proud. I want to continue using it as a tribute throughout my career.”
Vozinha arrived at Santiago Airport on Sunday to a spirited reception from fans brandishing flags, signs, and drums.
After passing his medical exam and signing his contract on Monday, he trained with his new teammates on Tuesday and may make his debut this Sunday against Unión La Calera, as Colo Colo leads the league.
“The World Cup was the pinnacle of my football journey, but that is now behind me. Representing Colo Colo—a massive club with a rich legacy—is the utmost highlight of my club career,” he added.
His impressive performances against elite teams such as Spain, Uruguay, and Argentina turned him into a worldwide sensation, boosting his social media following from under 50,000 to nearly 30 million in just weeks.
Now, the goalkeeper who earned a place in the FIFA World Cup Best XI aims to build on that success in South America.
“Competing in the World Cup brings immense pressure. I faced the best national teams in the world, and now my goal is to work hard and assist this team in achieving its objectives,” Vozinha concluded.