One of the biggest breakout stars of the 2026 FIFA World Cup has finally arrived in Chile — and the reception was nothing short of extraordinary.Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha, whose remarkable performances at the World Cup captured the imagination of football fans across the globe, landed in Santiago on Sunday to complete his move to Chilean giants Colo Colo after his arrival was delayed on three separate occasions.Hundreds of jubilant supporters gathered at Santiago’s airport with flags, banners, drums and chants, turning the veteran goalkeeper’s arrival into a celebration usually reserved for legends. Videos of the emotional welcome quickly spread across social media, underlining the popularity Vozinha has earned since his unforgettable World Cup campaign.“I’m very happy to be here. And I want to thank the fans for the patience they’ve shown while waiting for me,” the 40-year-old told reporters shortly after landing. “See you at the Monumental Stadium.”
Three delays before dream move finally became reality
Colo Colo, Chile’s most successful football club, announced the signing of Josimar Évora Dias — better known worldwide as Vozinha — on July 24.However, what was expected to be a straightforward transfer soon became a complicated saga.Documentation issues and personal matters delayed the goalkeeper’s arrival three different times, raising concerns among supporters eagerly waiting to welcome their new signing.The uncertainty finally ended on Sunday evening when Vozinha landed in Santiago at 8:35 p.m. local time to a rousing reception from hundreds of Colo Colo fans.The veteran is scheduled to undergo medical examinations before signing an initial six-month contract with an option to extend it by another year. He is expected to begin training with his new teammates on Tuesday before being officially unveiled by the club.
World Cup hero earns special jersey exception
Vozinha’s move has already prompted an unprecedented rule change in Chilean football.The Chilean Football Federation unanimously voted to amend its regulations and allow the goalkeeper to wear “Vozinha” on the back of his jersey instead of his surname.Under previous league rules, players were required to display only their family names on their shirts.The exception reflects the global recognition attached to the nickname that became synonymous with Cape Verde’s historic World Cup journey.Vozinha — whose nickname means “grandma” in Portuguese — became one of the tournament’s most celebrated players after helping Cape Verde make history on their World Cup debut.At 40, he became the oldest player to feature in a nation’s first-ever World Cup match and earned worldwide admiration with a string of spectacular saves against Spain, Uruguay and Argentina. His heroic display against eventual champions Spain, where he kept them scoreless, transformed him into one of the faces of the tournament.His popularity exploded during the competition. Before the World Cup, Vozinha had fewer than 50,000 Instagram followers. By the end of the tournament, that figure had soared beyond 29.5 million.For Colo Colo supporters, the excitement extends well beyond social media fame.Fans hope the experienced goalkeeper can inspire the Chilean league leaders to another domestic title before leading their challenge in next season’s Copa Libertadores.
