Vozinha, the 40-year-old keeper who captivated the World Cup, signs for Colo-Colo

Josimar Évora Dias — known to the world as Vozinha, a Portuguese nickname meaning 'granny' — walked into Colo-Colo's Estadio Monumental on Tuesday as a 40-year-old goalkeeper who had just turned the 2026 FIFA World Cup into a personal audition. The signing was official, the medical was done, and training had begun. A debut could come as soon as Sunday.

Colo-Colo announced the deal in late July, but the path to Santiago was anything but smooth. A visa problem delayed Vozinha's flight, a Moroccan club — RS Berkane — made a last-minute attempt to redirect the transfer, and Chilean football regulations initially threatened to strip him of the nickname he has carried his entire career. All three obstacles were cleared.

The decision was very clear. Despite playing in smaller leagues for clubs that weren't exactly giants, deep down I always told myself I was a 'big club' player. So when Colo-Colo came calling, there was no doubt.— Vozinha, Colo-Colo goalkeeper

The regulatory wrinkle was resolved on August 1, when Chile's football federation, the ANFP, unanimously approved a special exemption allowing Vozinha to wear his nickname on the back of his shirt — a rule change backed by Colo-Colo and other Primera División clubs. Chilean football had previously required players to display only their legal surnames.

It is the name I have used my entire life. In Cape Verde, it holds great significance and a rich history, and now it does globally as well. If my grandmother were alive today, I think she would be proud.— Vozinha, Colo-Colo goalkeeper

Colo-Colo's president, Aníbal Mosa, was candid about the dual appeal of the signing. Mosa acknowledged that Vozinha's World Cup performances showed he merited the move — but also noted the marketing value for a club that is currently top of the Liga de Primera and the only Chilean side to have won the Copa Libertadores.

Vozinha will be a Colo Colo player. In the coming days, he will travel to Chile, undergo the usual medical examinations and then be presented here at the Estadio Monumental.— Aníbal Mosa, Colo-Colo president

The fan reaction has been just as loud. When Vozinha landed at Santiago Airport on Sunday, supporters were waiting with flags, signs, and drums. His Instagram following, which sat below 50,000 before the World Cup, has since climbed to nearly 30 million — fueled in part by Brazilian influencer Casimiro, who helped amplify his performances to a global audience.

The World Cup itself was Cape Verde's first-ever appearance at the tournament, and Vozinha served as captain during qualification. His performances against Spain — a clean sheet — and defending champions Argentina earned him a place in FIFA's fan-selected World Cup Best XI. The run ended in the round of 32, but the goalkeeper's reputation was made.

The World Cup was the best thing that ever happened to me in football, but that is in the past now. Being here representing Colo-Colo — a massive club with a rich history — is the highlight of my club career.— Vozinha, Colo-Colo goalkeeper

The story drew attention beyond football. Vozinha made headlines during the World Cup after revealing his mother, Ana Cândida Évora, could not travel to watch him play because she could not afford the bond payment required for a US visa. She was eventually granted one, with all travel fees waived, after US House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries lobbied on her behalf.

He signed a six-month contract with an option to extend for one year. His career has taken him through Cape Verde, Angola, Moldova, Portugal, Cyprus, Slovakia, and now Chile — a globe-spanning journey that finally lands him at a club whose ambitions match the stage he always believed he deserved.

From day one, I knew where I wanted to play. I received many offers, but Colo-Colo was always the priority.— Vozinha, Colo-Colo goalkeeper

Why it matters — Vozinha's signing shows how a single tournament can rewrite a veteran athlete's career trajectory at any age — and how clubs increasingly weigh social media reach alongside on-field ability when building their squads.

Reported by nbcsandiego.com, reuters.com, en.wikipedia.org, aljazeera.com, espn.com