Cape Verde World Cup hero Vozinha gets South America contract offer

Colo-Colo are in active negotiations to sign Cape Verde international goalkeeper Vozinha on a free transfer.

According to a report from journalist Fabrizio Romano, the Chilean giants have submitted an initial proposal, with the 40-year-old’s representatives responding with a counter-offer.

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However, the Liga de Primera champions are also interested in Uruguayan international and Monterrey keeper, Santiago Mele.

A final decision is expected soon; however, they are facing tough competition from other teams for Vozinha.

The Cape Verdean announced his exit from Liga Portugal 2 side Chaves prior to the 2026 World Cup.

His playing time was heavily reduced in his final campaign, as he only recorded 19 appearances for the Portuguese outfit.

During the season, Vozinha kept six clean sheets for Chaves while averaging 2.32 saves per game.

Although his contract with the Portuguese side has expired, the veteran keeper wants one more footballing challenge before retirement.

He said: “It’s one of the first things I want to sort out. I love soccer. Being here, at 40 years old, is because I truly have this passion.

“I want to play for at least another year or two, or see how long my body can take it; we never know what tomorrow will bring.

“I want to play, and I hope to find a team that really wants me as a player, not as a marketing person.”

A journeyman

The goalkeeper has made 280 appearances across his 19-year career, plying his trade across multiple continents.

He has played for clubs in Cape Verde, Angola, Moldova, Cyprus, Slovakia, and Portugal.

Before his football career took off, he worked as a bus driver and an electrician until the age of 25 to make ends meet.

His loyalties

While he played for multiple domestic clubs, he remained fiercely loyal to his national team Cape Verde.

He began representing his country in 2012 and has accumulated 94 appearances over 14 years.

The Cape Verdean made his debut in the same year that his country qualified for their first major tournament, the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations.

He played at the continental competition another three times, and also helped secure qualification for the 2026 World Cup – the nation’s first-ever time.

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Then, the 40-year-old became one of the tournament’s biggest surprises after delivering a remarkable string of performances, specifically against competition favourites Spain.

He frustrated La Roja with a stunning clean sheet in the African nation’s first match on the international stage, earning a historic 0-0 draw.

He followed it with standout performances against Uruguay and Saudi Arabia throughout the group stage, which secured Cape Verde’s advancement to the knockout stages.

They faced the reigning world champions Argentina in the round of 32, where they nearly pulled off a massive upset.

Cape Verde came twice from behind before a deflected extra-time goal finally sent the holders through.

Reflecting on his sudden rise following the tournament, he said: “I never expected any of this.

“I’m very grateful and very happy for everything that happened in my life. I never expected any of this. It’s been crazy, insane.”

However, Vozinha has reached a new level of global stardom after his heroic performances, reaching almost 30 million followers on Instagram.

He said: “In Cape Verde, we love welcoming people. We can cook outside our homes and eat together in the street. Now I can’t always do that anymore”

A legacy bigger than a tournament

Vozinha now hopes his team’s heroic run can change the future for young footballers growing up on the island.

He said: “There has always been talent in Cape Verde, but now everybody is watching.”