Vozinha's Journey: World Cup Glory Transforms Life and Identity

WHO:

The Times of India - Vozinha, a 40-year-old goalkeeper from Cape Verde.

The Times of India - Aníbal Mosa, president of Colo-Colo.

The Sun - Pablo Milad, president of the Chilean FA.

WHAT:

The Times of India - Vozinha signed an 18-month contract with Colo-Colo.

The Times of India - Vozinha's salary at Colo-Colo is expected to be between $25,000 and $27,000 per month, nearly tripling his previous salary of $9,000 to $10,000 per month at Chaves.

The Times of India - The total value of Vozinha's contract with Colo-Colo is estimated to be around $500,000 if it runs the full 18 months.

The Sun - Vozinha's Instagram following grew from approximately 30,000 to 50,000 to nearly 30 million during the World Cup.

The Sun - Vozinha's performances included keeping clean sheets in two group games and a match against Argentina that ended 3-2 after extra time.

WHERE:

The Times of India - Colo-Colo is based in Santiago, Chile.

The Sun - Vozinha played for Chaves, a club in Portugal.

WHEN:

The Times of India - Vozinha's contract with Colo-Colo was confirmed on a Friday.

The Sun - Vozinha's performances at the World Cup occurred during the tournament, which took place in North America.

WHY:

The Times of India - Vozinha's rise to fame was due to his standout performances at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where Cape Verde became the smallest nation to reach the knockout rounds.

The Sun - Colo-Colo is seeking an exemption from league rules to allow Vozinha to wear his nickname on his jersey, as it is currently prohibited.

HOW:

The Times of India - Vozinha's performances included a man-of-the-match display against Spain, featuring seven saves.

The Sun - Colo-Colo is analyzing a formal request to allow Vozinha to use his nickname on his shirt.

(UPDATED July 28, 2026 13:33 UTC)

Vozinha, a 40-year-old goalkeeper from Cape Verde, has signed an 18-month contract with Colo-Colo in Santiago, Chile, with a salary expected to be between $25,000 and $27,000 per month, significantly higher than his previous earnings at Chaves. His impressive performances at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where he helped Cape Verde become the smallest nation to reach the knockout rounds, have skyrocketed his Instagram following from around 30,000 to nearly 30 million. Colo-Colo is currently seeking an exemption from league rules to allow Vozinha to wear his nickname on his jersey, as it is currently prohibited.