Cape Verde Goalkeeper Vozinha Wins Chilean Title with Colo-Colo at 40
Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha, 40, won the Chilean championship with Colo-Colo after making a crucial stoppage-time save to secure a 2-1 victory over Ñublense.
Cape Verde national team goalkeeper Vozinha secured the Chilean championship title on Sunday with his club Colo-Colo, adding an extraordinary chapter to his career at the age of 40. This marks the first major trophy for the veteran goalkeeper with the Chilean club, following previous successes in Cape Verde and Cyprus.
Only a few months ago, Vozinha captured global attention as one of the standout figures of the 2026 World Cup. He famously led Cape Verde to a historic campaign, including a crucial 0-0 draw against Spain where he earned Man of the Match honors. That summer, at 40 years old, he signed with Colo-Colo after completing his contract with Portuguese side Chaves.
Overcoming Early Struggles
The veteran goalkeeper's debut period in Chile proved challenging. Vozinha struggled to secure his footing immediately, enduring a difficult stretch marred by several costly errors that kept him out of the starting lineup. However, he gradually rediscovered the stellar form that defined his World Cup performances, reclaiming his spot between the posts and cementing his status as a regular starter ahead of the decisive stretch of the season.
A Dramatic Championship Finish
The defining moment arrived on Sunday as Colo-Colo traveled to face Ñublense, needing a victory to clinch the domestic crown. A dramatic stoppage-time goal by Marcos Bolados gave the visitors a 2-1 lead, but Vozinha delivered the decisive intervention in the 97th minute to preserve the victory. The experienced goalkeeper launched himself to block a dangerous strike destined for the back of the net, securing Colo-Colo's 35th league title with three matches remaining.
"I came here for this, to win a championship. I am extremely happy," Vozinha declared after the final whistle. When asked about his future with his contract expiring this coming December, the goalkeeper preferred to remain focused on the present: "Today is a day to celebrate, we will talk about the future later."
