Forty years old, and still nobody can get the ball past him. Vozinha, the Cape Verde goalkeeper who became one of the feel-good stories of the 2026 World Cup, made his Chilean Primera Division debut for Colo-Colo on Sunday night and kept a clean sheet in a 0-0 draw at Huachipato. The result keeps Los Albos comfortably clear at the top of the table, and extends a remarkable run: the veteran has yet to concede a goal for his new club.
A clean sheet on his Chilean league debut
Vozinha kept a clean sheet in his first Primera Division match for Colo-Colo, a goalless draw at Huachipato on Sunday 6 September in Concepcion, southern Chile. The 40-year-old had already featured in the Copa Chile without conceding, so his defensive record for the club remains spotless.
There were no goals and few fireworks, but the Cape Verde international showed the same qualities that made him a World Cup talking point: command of his box, sound positioning and constant organisation of the back line. Fernando Ortiz’s side did not take three points, but they gave nothing away either.
From Portugal’s second tier to World Cup hero
Before the summer of 2026, Vozinha, real name Josimar Dias, was a long-serving goalkeeper at Desportivo de Chaves in Portugal, well outside the spotlight. The World Cup changed everything. His string of saves in Cape Verde’s historic 0-0 draw with Spain was singled out by FIFA as one of the tournament’s magic moments, with the governing body calling him the undoubted star of the show.
Remarkably, he went into the tournament as a free agent after his Chaves contract ended. A goalkeeper without a club, frustrating one of the strongest squads in the world on the biggest stage, is the kind of story that gets a 40-year-old a move to a South American giant.
Why Premier League fans should take note
English football has its own affection for goalkeepers who refuse to retire. John Burridge played in the Premier League for Manchester City at 43, and the top flight has long valued experienced hands between the posts. Vozinha’s story fits that tradition, but with a twist: he found a new continent, not just a new club, at 40.
It also serves as a reminder to Premier League recruitment teams that the World Cup remains the ultimate shop window. Cape Verde, a small island nation with deep European diaspora links, produced one of the tournament’s most talked-about players, and he was not in anyone’s scouting reports in May.
Colo-Colo’s signing and the title race ahead
Colo-Colo announced the deal in late July and completed the signing in early August 2026. According to Chilean and Portuguese media, he joined on a free transfer on a six-month contract with an option for a further season, and was presented to thousands of fans at the Estadio Monumental.
The draw at Huachipato leaves Colo-Colo top of the Primera Division with a lead reported at 14 points, and the title is firmly within reach. For Vozinha, the target is simple: keep the clean sheets coming and nail down the number one shirt through to December. A league title would be a fitting end to an unforgettable year.
FAQ
Who is Vozinha?
Vozinha, real name Josimar Dias, is a 40-year-old Cape Verde international goalkeeper. He spent years at Desportivo de Chaves in Portugal and rose to global prominence at the 2026 World Cup, most notably with his heroic performance in Cape Verde’s 0-0 draw with Spain.
What happened on Vozinha’s Colo-Colo league debut?
Colo-Colo drew 0-0 away at Huachipato on Sunday 6 September 2026. Vozinha kept a clean sheet in his first Chilean Primera Division appearance.
Has Vozinha conceded a goal for Colo-Colo yet?
No. He had already played in the Copa Chile without conceding, and the clean sheet at Huachipato keeps his record for the club spotless.
What are Vozinha’s contract terms at Colo-Colo?
According to Chilean and Portuguese media, he joined on a free transfer on a six-month deal with an option for an additional season. The agreement was announced in late July and formalised in early August 2026.
Where are Colo-Colo in the Chilean Primera Division table?
Colo-Colo are top of the Primera Division with a lead reported at 14 points over their nearest challengers after the draw at Huachipato.
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