Cape Verde’s World Cup goalkeeping sensation, Vozinha has completed a switch to Chilean giants Colo Colo, ending weeks of speculation over his next destination following an unforgettable tournament in North America. 

The 39 year old shot stopper, born Josimar José Évora Dias, put pen to paper on an eighteen month deal with the Santiago based club, who confirmed the arrival with a jubilant social media post welcoming him to the fold.

Vozinha arrived at the World Cup without a club after his contract with Portuguese second tier side Chaves expired, yet he left the competition as one of its most talked about figures.

His performances between the posts for Cape Verde, who were competing at their first ever World Cup, drew admiration from across the football world, including a standout showing in a goalless draw against eventual champions Spain that made him the oldest goalkeeper to keep a clean sheet on his World Cup debut.

He followed that up with a string of remarkable saves in an extra time defeat to defending champions Argentina, a performance that earned praise from Lionel Messi himself.

Aníbal Mosa, president of Blanco y Negro, the company that manages Colo Colo, confirmed the veteran would soon travel to Chile to undergo medical examinations before being unveiled at the club’s Estadio Monumental home. He is expected to become the most experienced player in a squad managed by Fernando Ortiz, bringing with him a wealth of experience gathered across stops in Cape Verde, Angola, Moldova, Portugal and Cyprus, where he won a domestic cup with AEL Limassol.

The move caps a whirlwind few weeks for the goalkeeper, whose social media following swelled from around fifty thousand to well over twenty nine million after his exploits in the United States captured global attention. He had also been linked with interest from clubs in Brazil and reportedly drew attention from Major League Soccer side Inter Miami before opting to continue his career in South America with Colo Colo, the only Chilean club to have lifted the Copa Libertadores.

Speaking earlier about his ambitions beyond the World Cup, Vozinha made clear his desire to keep playing at the top level despite his advancing years, insisting his passion for the game remains undimmed and that he still has more to offer on the pitch. With Colo Colo currently leading the Chilean league standings and through to the last sixteen of the Copa Chile, his experience and big match temperament are expected to bolster the club’s ambitions as the season progresses.

Photo Credit: Getty Images