Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha joins Colo-Colo after World Cup breakout, Chilean league grants nickname exception

Arrival and signing

Vozinha landed at Santiago Airport on Sunday, August 2, to a crowd of hundreds of fans with flags, signs, and drums. He passed his medical on Monday morning and signed a six-month contract later that day, with an option to extend for one year until 2027. The club officially presented him at a press conference on Tuesday at the Estadio Monumental, where he joined his first training session. Chilean media reported his monthly salary at between 26,000 and 44,000 euros, depending on the outlet. Colo-Colo president Aníbal Mosa confirmed the deal, which came after the goalkeeper had also received an offer from Moroccan side Berkane.

World Cup breakthrough

The 40-year-old became a global sensation during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where Cape Verde reached the round of 32. He kept clean sheets in draws against Spain (0-0) and Uruguay (1-1), and also drew with Saudi Arabia (1-1) before a narrow extra-time loss to Argentina (3-2). His performances earned him a place in the FIFA World Cup best XI, as voted by fans. His Instagram following exploded from under 50,000 to nearly 30 million in weeks. The goalkeeper, who worked as a garbage collector before turning professional in 2007, said the World Cup changed his life and his country's perception.

“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.”

The nickname exception

Chilean league regulations prohibit players from using nicknames on their jerseys, requiring legal surnames instead. Colo-Colo requested an urgent meeting of the ANFP council, and the presidents of all other Chilean clubs voted unanimously to grant an exception, citing Vozinha's international recognition. The goalkeeper expressed deep gratitude, noting the name's significance in Cape Verde and as a tribute to his grandparents.

“If my grandmother were alive today, I think she would be proud. I hope to keep using it for the rest of my career as a tribute.”

Debut and expectations

Vozinha could make his debut as early as this Sunday against Unión La Calera, though most reports point to August 16 at home against O'Higgins in the 19th round of the Chilean league. The Estadio Monumental, with a capacity of 42,000, is already sold out for that match. The goalkeeper dismissed any notion of pressure, saying real pressure is being sick or not having food. He said he always believed he was a big-club player despite spending most of his career in lower divisions across Cape Verde, Angola, Cyprus, Slovakia, Moldova, and Portugal's second tier.

“In football there is no pressure. Pressure is when you are sick, or when someone in your family is sick, or when you don't have something to eat.”

A new chapter

Vozinha's move marks a dramatic career turn for a player who only began professional football at 25. He hopes Cape Verde will now be seen differently, with more opportunities for its people in sport and beyond. The club plans a massive welcome event on Wednesday evening at the stadium, similar to the reception for idol Arturo Vidal in 2024.