Vozinha, the celebrated 40-year-old goalkeeper who captured global attention during the recent World Cup with Cape Verde, has officially landed in Chile to join the prominent club Colo Colo. His arrival on Sunday followed a period of uncertainty surrounding the transfer, marked by several unexpected delays.
‘I am very happy to be here. I want to thank the fans for their patience while waiting for me,’ Vozinha told reporters upon his arrival in Chile. ‘See you at the Monumental Stadium,’ he added, referring to Colo Colo’s home ground in Santiago.
A Highly Anticipated Transfer
Colo Colo, recognized as Chile’s most successful football club, formally announced the signing of Josimar Evora Dias, widely known as Vozinha, on July 24. However, the move encountered a series of obstacles, including complications with documentation and personal matters, which postponed his arrival on three separate occasions. These setbacks caused considerable concern among both the club and its supporters.
Finally arriving at Santiago’s airport at 8:35 PM local time, Vozinha was met by a large and enthusiastic crowd of fans. Supporters gathered at the terminal, waving flags, holding banners, and creating a vibrant atmosphere with drums and chants, demonstrating their eagerness for the new signing.
World Cup Standout and Club Ambitions
Vozinha achieved a significant milestone by becoming the oldest player to debut in a national team’s inaugural match at the World Cup. His exceptional goalkeeping skills were particularly highlighted when he managed to keep the eventual champions, Spain, scoreless during their encounter. This performance cemented his status as a standout player of the tournament.
The aspirations of Colo Colo supporters are high, with many hoping Vozinha’s presence will help the league leaders secure the championship title and bolster the club’s ambitions in continental competitions for the upcoming season. Marcos Antonio Barrera, a 32-year-old supporter, expressed his optimism: ‘I’m excited. And if Colo Colo wins the title, next year comes the Copa Libertadores, which makes everything even more exciting for all of Chile and South America.’
Contract Details and Immediate Plans
The breakout goalkeeper of the World Cup is slated to undergo medical examinations on Monday before officially finalizing his contract with Colo Colo. The initial agreement is set for six months, with an option for an additional 12-month extension. The club anticipates Vozinha will join team training on Tuesday and plans to formally introduce their new signing that same day.
Nickname Approval and Previous Club
In a unique development, the Chilean Football Federation unanimously decided on Friday to amend its regulations, allowing Vozinha to wear his famous nickname on his jersey. The nickname ‘Vozinha,’ meaning ‘grandma’ in Portuguese, brought him worldwide recognition. This rule change was necessary as Chilean league regulations typically require players to use only their surnames on their jerseys.
Vozinha joins Colo Colo after concluding his tenure with Chaves in the second division of Portuguese football. His remarkable performances at the World Cup, including spectacular saves against formidable opponents like Spain, Uruguay, and Lionel Messi’s Argentina, propelled him to international fame.
Global Fame and Fan Expectations
The goalkeeper’s newfound global fame is evident in his social media growth; his Instagram following surged from under 50,000 to over 29.5 million during the World Cup period. Fans like Sebastian Paredes are keenly awaiting his contributions: ‘The Colo Colo family and all of Chile are eagerly waiting. Now he has to earn his place at Colo Colo through talent, dedication, hard work, commitment, and by winning over the fans. Hopefully, he’ll be a great signing and help put Chile on the map.’
Vozinha’s journey from a World Cup sensation to a key player for one of Chile’s most storied clubs underscores a remarkable rise, fueled by his on-field heroics and the immense support of a passionate fanbase.
