The veteran goalkeeper is closing in on a move to South American giants Colo Colo after emerging as one of the breakout stars of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Praia, Cape Verde (Running Africa) — Cape Verde goalkeeper Josimar “Vozinha” Dias is set to join Chilean champions Colo Colo, completing one of football’s most remarkable post-World Cup stories after emerging as one of the tournament’s breakout stars at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The 40-year-old veteran is expected to travel to Santiago in the coming days to undergo a medical before finalizing his move, according to Colo Colo president Aníbal Mosa.
“Vozinha will be a Colo Colo player,” Mosa confirmed.
The Chilean club also fueled excitement among supporters by teasing the signing on social media with a graphic featuring the goalkeeper’s trademark curly hair.
World Cup Hero Earns Dream Move
Vozinha’s transfer comes just weeks after a sensational World Cup campaign that transformed him from a free agent into one of the most sought-after goalkeepers on the market.
Representing Cape Verde at the nation’s historic FIFA World Cup debut, the experienced shot-stopper delivered a series of standout performances that captured the attention of football fans worldwide.
His defining display came in a memorable 0-0 draw against eventual champions Spain, where he produced seven crucial saves to keep one of the tournament favorites off the scoresheet.
He followed that performance by helping the Blue Sharks secure another impressive draw against Uruguay, playing a pivotal role in Cape Verde’s unforgettable run.
Cape Verde’s Historic FIFA World Cup Journey
Cape Verde’s fairytale campaign eventually ended with a 3-2 extra-time defeat to Argentina in the Round of 32, but the team’s fearless performances earned widespread admiration and marked one of Africa’s biggest success stories of the tournament.
Vozinha emerged as one of the competition’s most celebrated players, becoming a fan favorite for his leadership, resilience, and spectacular goalkeeping.
Global Recognition Beyond the Pitch
The World Cup also transformed Vozinha’s global profile.
His social media following surged from approximately 50,000 before the tournament to more than 15 million afterward, reflecting his growing popularity among football fans across the world.
The veteran goalkeeper’s performances were further recognized when supporters voted him into FIFA’s fan-selected World Cup Dream XI, making him the only African player included in the prestigious team.
A New Chapter With South America’s Most Successful Club
The move to Colo Colo follows the expiration of Vozinha’s contract with Portuguese side Chaves, allowing the experienced goalkeeper to begin a new chapter in a career that has spanned clubs in Slovakia, Angola, Moldova, Cyprus, and Portugal.
Joining Chile’s most decorated football club represents another remarkable milestone for the Cape Verde international, whose performances at the 2026 FIFA World Cup have opened the door to one of the biggest opportunities of his career.
For Cape Verdean football, the transfer serves as another lasting legacy of the nation’s historic World Cup campaign, demonstrating how success on football’s biggest stage can create life-changing opportunities for African players.
