Although there has been no official announcement, Vozinha is almost certain to become Colo-Colo's newest signing. The Chilean club hinted at the deal on social media, while President Anibal Mosa and coach Fernando Ortiz confirmed that negotiations are nearing completion.

"Only the usual details remain to be finalized. Essentially, the agreement is almost complete", President Anibal Mosa stated. "Both parties have agreed and are finalizing the last details. We have also received confirmation from Vozinha's agent and team".

Colo-Colo hinted at recruiting goalkeeper Vozinha. Photo: X / ColoColo

Vozinha, 40 years old, is a free agent after his contract expired with Chaves, a team in Portugal's second division. He attracted interest from many clubs after his stellar performance with Cape Verde at the 2026 World Cup.

In their first World Cup appearance, Cape Verde made headlines by reaching the knockout stage, where they continued to play resiliently and lost to Argentina 2-3 in extra time. In that match, Vozinha made eight saves - the most in the tournament. In the group stage, he also made seven saves in the 0-0 draw against Spain, and three saves in the 0-0 draw against Saudi Arabia, results that helped Cape Verde advance to the knockout stage.

By the end of the World Cup, Vozinha had made a total of 18 saves across four matches. In the tournament's history, only two goalkeepers aged 40 or older have made more saves in a single World Cup: England's Peter Shilton (28 saves at the 1990 World Cup) and Italy's Dino Zoff (27 saves at the 1982 World Cup). However, both played seven matches, while Vozinha only appeared in four.

His impressive form also brought Vozinha widespread recognition. Before the World Cup began, his Instagram account had about 46,000 followers. Now, that number has grown to nearly 30 million.

Goalkeeper Vozinha faces Lionel Messi in the Cape Verde versus Argentina round of 16 match at the 2026 World Cup in Miami Gardens, Florida, US, on 3/7. Photo: AP

President Mosa emphasized that this is not merely a symbolic signing for Colo-Colo. "Professionally, Vozinha fully meets our requirements, which is why we are signing him. Additionally, having a player of such international influence join the club will help elevate Colo-Colo globally", he stated.

Colo-Colo, officially known as Club Social y Deportivo Colo-Colo, was founded in 1925 in Santiago, Chile, by the late player David Arellano. The team currently plays in Chile's top national league, the Primera Division, and is the only club never to have been relegated in the league's history.

Since 1989, Colo-Colo has played its home matches at the Monumental David Arellano stadium in the capital, Santiago. It is considered the most successful club in Chilean football history with 34 national championships, the most in the league, along with 14 Copa Chile titles.

On the international stage, Colo-Colo was the first Chilean team to win the Copa Libertadores, securing the title in 1991. One year later, the club went on to win two more international trophies: the Recopa Sudamericana and the Copa Interamericana.

Key moments from Cape Verde's draw with Spain at the 2026 World Cup.

*Compiled by Hong Duy*