A large crowd waving flags and chanting greeted Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha at Santiago’s Arturo Merino Benítez Airport on Sunday as the 40-year-old arrived to complete his move to Chilean giants Colo-Colo. The transfer had been delayed for several days due to visa complications, building anticipation among supporters who view the signing as a significant moment for the club and the country.
Vozinha emerged as a breakout star during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, where he captained Cape Verde to a historic run that included a draw against Uruguay and a victory over Mozambique in the group stage. His performances attracted global attention and earned him a devoted following beyond his home nation.
Colo-Colo supporters gathered in numbers at the terminal, displaying banners and singing club anthems as the goalkeeper passed through arrivals. Marcos Barrera, a longtime fan, described the atmosphere as electric. “What excites me the most, obviously, is seeing Vozinha become champion with Colo-Colo,” he said. “We’re already 12, or rather 15, points ahead of our arch-rivals, Universidad Católica and Universidad de Chile. Católica lost, and I don’t know how Universidad de Chile is doing right now, but we’re definitely excited. And if Colo-Colo becomes champion, next year we’ll play in the Copa Libertadores, which is even more exciting for all of Chile and South America.”
The club currently leads the Chilean Primera División standings, positioning them for a potential league title and a return to South America’s premier club competition.
Fellow supporter Sebastián Paredes emphasized that the enthusiasm extends beyond the stadium. “The Colo-Colo supporters and the whole country are eagerly waiting for this player, who came to prominence during the World Cup,” he said. “As Colo-Colo fans, we’re happy to have a player with the impact and recognition that Vozinha has. Now he has to earn his place at Colo-Colo through talent, dedication, hard work, commitment and by winning over the supporters.”
The signing arrives at a sensitive time for Chilean football. The national team failed to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup after finishing last in the CONMEBOL qualifying table for the 2026 tournament. The disappointment has intensified scrutiny on domestic clubs to develop and attract talent capable of raising the standard of the local game.
Vozinha brings extensive experience, having played professionally in Portugal, Angola, and Cyprus before his World Cup breakthrough. At 40, he represents an unconventional acquisition for a title-contending side, but his leadership and shot-stopping ability are seen as assets for a squad chasing silverware on multiple fronts.
The goalkeeper is expected to begin training with his new teammates immediately as Colo-Colo prepares for the decisive phase of the league campaign and a potential Copa Libertadores playoff berth. His debut date has not been confirmed.
