Vozinha, Star at 40, to Compete for Starting Spot at Colo Colo Against Youngster

After becoming a standout performer at 40 years old during the 2026 World Cup, Cape Verdean goalkeeper Josimar José Évora Dias, widely known as ‘Vozinha,’ faces a new challenge in Chile. He is expected to compete for the starting goalkeeper position at Colo Colo with 19-year-old prospect Gabriel Maureira.

Vozinha is scheduled to arrive in Santiago on Thursday for medical examinations and to finalize his contract with the current Chilean league leaders. The club, which boasts the most titles in Chile and is the only Chilean team to have won the Copa Libertadores in 1991, has agreed to a six-month deal with a potential 12-month extension for 2027. This extension could coincide with the team's potential return to international competitions, which they failed to qualify for this year.

The signing has generated significant media attention in Chilean football, unprecedented in its scale. However, it has also ignited a national debate regarding its advisability and its potential impact on Maureira's development. Colo Colo's coach, Fernando Ortiz, stated, "The name won't change my way of thinking, and whoever has to play will play. Gabriel's performance implies that Vozinha will have significant competition to earn the starting position."

Maureira, a homegrown talent, had been filling in as the starter due to a hamstring injury sustained by Fernando de Paul, 35, who underwent surgery in April and is still months away from returning. The club's management had been searching for a goalkeeper during the tournament break and had nearly signed Uruguayan Santiago Mele, 28, before he opted for Argentina's Independiente. The debate surrounding Maureira's role was less prominent while Mele was a potential target.

Vozinha joins Chile bolstered by his impressive performance with the Cape Verde national team at the World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. As debutants, they reached the round of 16. He was a key figure in the tournament, named to the FIFA World 11 based on fan voting, kept a clean sheet against eventual champions Spain, and shone in a 3-2 extra-time loss to Lionel Messi's Argentina. Vozinha arrives on a free transfer after his contract with Chaves, a second-division Portuguese club, expired. His career has included stints at modest clubs such as Progresso do Sambizanga (Angola), Zimbru (Moldova), Gil Vicente (Portugal), AEL Limassol (Cyprus), and AS Trencin (Slovakia).

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The name won't change my way of thinking, and whoever has to play will play. Gabriel's performance implies that Vozinha will have significant competition to earn the starting position.