World Cup Hero Vozinha Joins Chilean Club Colo Colo
Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Goalkeeper Vozinha, a standout player for Cape Verde at the 2026 World Cup, has been presented as the new player for Chilean club Colo Colo.
- Vozinha, 40, arrived in Chile after personal issues delayed his travel and was greeted by hundreds of fans at the airport.
- He signed a six-month contract with Colo Colo, aiming to help the club achieve its objectives after a breakout World Cup performance that significantly boosted his international profile.
Santiago, Chile โ Vozinha, the celebrated goalkeeper who became a hero for Cape Verde during the 2026 World Cup, has officially joined Chilean powerhouse Colo Colo. The 40-year-old shot-stopper, known for his crucial saves during the tournament, was presented Tuesday in Santiago, marking a new chapter in his career with the most decorated club in Chilean football.
I always believed I was a big-team player. And when Colo Colo, which is the biggest team in Chile, appeared, there were no doubts.
Vozinha's arrival in Chile was met with immense enthusiasm. Despite a several-day delay due to personal matters, hundreds of fans, many clad in Colo Colo jerseys, welcomed him at the airport with chants and cheers. The goalkeeper expressed his long-held belief in his potential, stating, "I always believed I was a big-team player. And when Colo Colo, which is the biggest team in Chile, appeared, there were no doubts." He will wear the number 29 jersey.
The World Cup is the best competition in the world. (...) I knew the World Cup could bring many great things for me.
The veteran goalkeeper signed a six-month agreement, with an option for a one-year extension. Vozinha's performance at the World Cup, particularly his decisive saves against world champions Spain and Uruguay, and his heroic efforts in the Round of 16 match against Argentina, captured global attention. Although Cape Verde ultimately lost 3-2 in extra time, Vozinha's displays elevated his status, dramatically increasing his social media following from 50,000 to over 29 million.
We are very happy that Colo Colo is on all the sports pages in the world. We have put not only the club but the Chilean league in the global spotlight.
Colo Colo's president, Anรญbal Mosa, highlighted the global impact of the signing, noting, "We are very happy that Colo Colo is on all the sports pages in the world. We have put not only the club but the Chilean league in the global spotlight." Vozinha, however, remains grounded, dismissing pressure by saying, "Pressure is when you are sick or when you have nothing to eat. I just think about working and helping the club achieve its goals."
Pressure is when you are sick or when you have nothing to eat. I just think about working and helping the club achieve its goals.
Originally published by TVN Panamรก in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.