A new chapter at 40: 2026 World Cup hero Vozinya joins «Kolo-Kolo»

One of the heroes of Cape Verde’s historic run at the 2026 World Cup, Vozinya will continue his career in South America. The 40-year-old goalkeeper has signed a contract with Chilean club «Kolo-Kolo».

The agreement will initially run until the end of 2026. If the experienced goalkeeper lives up to the coaching staff’s expectations, the club will have the option to extend the contract for another season.

Transfer finalized after medical examination

«Kolo-Kolo» officially announced that Vozinya had signed his contract after successfully completing the required medical examinations.

«Vozinya has signed his contract and officially become a new “Kolo-Kolo” player», the club said in a statement.

The agreement is for six months and includes an option for a one-year extension. The goalkeeper joined the Chilean club as a free agent after his contract with «Shavish», who compete in Portugal’s second division, expired. As a result, «Kolo-Kolo» will not pay another club a transfer fee for him.

According to the information provided, Vozinya will wear number 29 for his new team.

One World Cup match changed his career

Vozinya’s transfer is not simply a short-term deal with an ordinary free agent. He headed to Chile after becoming one of the most talked-about goalkeepers at the World Cup at the age of 40.

Cape Verde participated in a World Cup for the first time in its history. The team drew 0:0 with Spain in its opening match, while Vozinya made seven saves and became one of the game’s main heroes.

Cape Verde then shared the points with Uruguay and managed to progress from the group stage. The team’s historic run ended in a tense match against Argentina that lasted until extra time in the round of 32 — 2:3.

He proved that 40 is not an obstacle

Goalkeepers can play at a high level for longer than footballers in other positions. However, making a World Cup debut at the age of 40 and then securing a contract on another continent remains an extraordinary achievement.

Vozinya did more than just save shots at the World Cup. FIFA’s analysis ranked him among the tournament’s leading goalkeepers in terms of ball-playing and build-up statistics. Even after Cape Verde’s elimination, he remained high in that ranking.

This shows that «Kolo-Kolo» did not sign Vozinya solely because of his popularity. The club has acquired a goalkeeper who can withstand pressure in big games, organize the defense and share his experience with younger players.

A starting spot is not guaranteed

His World Cup success brought Vozinya a new contract, but it does not automatically guarantee him a place in the starting lineup.

Speaking about the transfer, «Kolo-Kolo» head coach Fernando Ortiz stressed that, like every player, Vozinya must compete for his place on the pitch.

In this situation, the short-term contract serves as a test for both sides:

Chilean media reports that his potential debut could come on 16 August against «O'Higgins». However, this date has not yet been confirmed through the team’s official lineup.

Special permission was also needed for the name on his shirt

Vozinya’s full name is Jozimar Joze Evora Dias. «Vozinya» is a nickname he has had since childhood.

Because Chilean football regulations restrict the use of nicknames on players’ kits, the issue of keeping the goalkeeper’s famous name was discussed separately. After other clubs in the league gave their approval, he was allowed to use the name «Vozinha» on his shirt.

This issue was also important from a commercial perspective. After the World Cup, the goalkeeper became known to an international audience specifically by the name Vozinya.

He arrived at the World Cup without a club and became a star

Vozinya had ended his agreement with «Shavish» before the World Cup and was facing an uncertain future. Just a few weeks later, he became one of the tournament’s biggest discoveries and secured a contract with one of South America’s prominent clubs.

During his career, he has also played for clubs in Angola, Moldova, Cyprus and Slovakia, in addition to Portugal. However, «Kolo-Kolo» will be Vozinya’s first experience of South American football.

The new league will require him to adapt to a different style of football. The high pace in Chile, physical battles in the penalty area and intense pressure from the fans will present a new challenge for the experienced goalkeeper.

What has «Kolo-Kolo» gained?

Vozinya’s arrival could benefit the club both sporting and commercially.

From a sporting perspective:

• experience in a major international tournament;

• the ability to make saves in decisive situations;

• the ability to organize the defensive line;

• competition and an example for young goalkeepers.

From a commercial perspective:

• greater recognition following the World Cup;

• access to audiences in Cape Verde and Africa;

• increased interest in shirts and club merchandise;

• greater international visibility for the «Kolo-Kolo» brand.

Club president Anibal Mosa also acknowledged that, alongside Vozinya’s on-field value, the transfer would have a significant media and marketing impact.

Six months will determine his future

Vozinya’s first contract with «Kolo-Kolo» is not long-term. He has until the end of the season to prove himself.

If the goalkeeper performs at the same level in the Chilean championship as he did at the World Cup, the club may exercise its option for another year. This would allow him to continue his career at a high level at the age of 41 and potentially compete in continental tournaments.

Just a few months ago, Vozinya was without a club; now he is preparing for one of the biggest challenges of his career on a new continent. His story once again shows that in football, opportunities can arrive at the most unexpected moment.

Do you think Vozinya can become «Kolo-Kolo»’s first-choice goalkeeper at the age of 40? Leave your opinion in the comments and share the article with sports fans on Telegram or other social networks!