Veteran goalkeeper Vozinha, 40, joins Chilean club Colo-Colo on lucrative deal after World Cup heroics

Veteran goalkeeper Vozinha, who turned 40, has secured a new lucrative contract with Chile's most decorated club, Colo-Colo. The 18-month deal will see him earn approximately 22,000 euros per week, totaling around 236,000 euros annually. This represents a substantial increase from his previous earnings of 8,800 euros per week at Portuguese second-division club Chaves.

Vozinha's career trajectory dramatically shifted following his stellar performance at the recent World Cup. As a key player for Cape Verde in their debut tournament appearance, he was instrumental in guiding the team to the round of 16. His remarkable saves, including 18 stops across four matches, garnered widespread attention. Notably, he made 15 saves against two finalists and kept a clean sheet against eventual champions Spain in a 0-0 draw, becoming the oldest goalkeeper to debut in a World Cup match without conceding.

The World Cup showcase catapulted Vozinha into the global spotlight. His social media presence exploded, with his Instagram followers skyrocketing from 50,000 to 29 million. Football legends, including Lionel Messi, lauded his performances. Despite the accolades, a poignant moment saw Vozinha in tears after the Spain match, reflecting on his journey and the absence of his deceased grandparents and his mother, who could not attend due to visa issues and financial constraints.

The article also touches upon the financial challenges faced by Cape Verdean players, referencing a U.S. policy requiring citizens from certain countries, including Cape Verde, to pay a security deposit of up to $15,000 for entry. This policy poses a significant hurdle for footballers like Vozinha, highlighting the broader economic context impacting athletes from smaller nations.