Cape Verde World Cup Star Vozinha Arrives in Chile to Join Colo Colo

Josimar José Évora Dias, the 40 year old Cape Verdean goalkeeper known as Vozinha, arrived in Santiago, Chile, on Sunday night to join Colo Colo. He was welcomed at the airport by a large crowd of supporters, with some reports estimating the gathering at over 400 people. The goalkeeper, who became a breakout star of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, is scheduled to undergo medical examinations at Clínica Meds on Monday before his official presentation and first training session on Tuesday.

Vozinha's arrival followed a period of uncertainty and delays. His travel was hindered by visa issues and missed flights, and he also faced a regulatory hurdle regarding his jersey name. While Chilean league rules typically require players to use only their surnames, the Chilean Football Federation unanimously decided to amend its regulations to allow him to use his nickname, Vozinha, on his shirt.

During the 2026 World Cup, Vozinha helped Cape Verde reach the round of 32, notably securing a draw against Spain and advancing past Uruguay. The team was eventually eliminated by Argentina in a 3 to 2 loss during extra time. He was selected for the tournament's Ideal Eleven and became the oldest player to appear in a national team's debut World Cup game.

International coverage of the event varied in tone. Center leaning reports focused on the logistical hurdles and the specific regulatory changes made for the player. Center right reports emphasized the superstar status of the athlete and the massive scale of the fan reception, quoting various international outlets that described him as being treated like a celebrity.