Cape Verde’s Vozinha Caps Off Memorable Year With Chilean Soccer Title

Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha did not win the Yashin Award as the best goalkeeper in the world. It wasn’t the end of the world for the World Cup hero. He won something more important - his first trophy outside his African country. On Sunday, Vozinha backstopped Colo Colo’s 2-1 triumph over Nublense, playing a vital role in the team’s 35th Chilean first division championship. Colo has three matches remaining in the season. “I came here for this, to win the title,” Vozinha said, according to ESPN.com . “I’m absolutely delighted. Thank God we managed to win this great title, and I’m very happy. I’d like to thank all my teammates, all the directors, the coaching staff and everyone at Colo-Colo, who’ve made me feel very welcome from day one.” FORBES | By Michael Lewis Hany Mukhtar Continues As Nashville SC’s Money Player In MLS World Cup heroics The victory capped off a memorable year for the 40-year-old keeper, who was an unknown before the 2026 FIFA World Cup. His given name is Josimar Jose Evora Dias, but we all know him as Vozinha, who became the darling of the three-country extravaganza in June and July with his miraculous saves. The World Cup debutants did not lose a game in the group stage (three consecutive saves) and reached the knockout round. That included a scoreless draw against eventual world champion Spain. In the Round of 32, Cape Verde and Vozinha took the 2022 champions Argentina to extra time before succumbing to Lionel Messi and company, 3-2. The Argentines lost to Spain in the final. After the tournament, Vozinha, now a worldwide celebrity, signed with the Chilean powerhouse. FORBES | By Michael Lewis Cape Verde Has Become World Cup Darlings Without Winning A Game Some things to prove at Colo Colo Despite Vozinha’s impressive World Cup resume, Colo Colo head coach Fernando Ortiz stated that the newcomer would have to earn the job. With regular keeper Fernando De Paul injured, 19-year-old Gabriel Maureira had been impressive in the net. “It’s going to be a great competition between Vozinha, Gabriel, and the others who are here,” Ortiz said at a media conference before the goalkeeper’s arrival. “A big name won’t change my way of thinking; whoever deserves to play will play.” Vozinha had his critics. He made his debut in the Copa Chile and played his first league match against Huachipato, registering a clean sheet in a scoreless tie. However, former Chilean national team goalkeeper Claudio Bravo, now a commentator, criticized the African native after he botched trying to snare a cross. “My take is that he lacks technique and coordination,” he said. FORBES | By Michael Lewis Tony’s Reward: A Golden Celebration For South Amboy Coach Gonsalves Lots of celebrity, little privacy Like it or not, Vozinha’s celebrity preceded him. When he went out to a restaurant, fans would ask for photos, was asked for selfies, and take videos of him. He had no privacy. “I have lost my peace and tranquility,” he told the English newspaper, The Observer . “I don’t have privacy anymore, or at least much less than before. “I would choose the life I had before.” “Many people want to be famous and have a public image, but they only see the positive side of this reality. “To be honest, if I were offered the life I have today or the one I had before, I would choose the one I had before.” FORBES | By Michael Lewis How Sullivan, Hall Have Turned Heads With U.S. Men’s National Team A nail-biter until the end Sunday’s game had plenty of drama at the Estadio Nelson Oyarzún, in Chillan. Two minutes into stoppage time, Colo Colo’s Marcos Bolados snapped a 1-1 deadlock. It shouldn’t be surprising that Vozinha had, ahem, a hand, or hands, in the win, making a spectacular save off a drive seven minutes into added time. “I think the whole team’s hard work throughout the season made the difference,” said, according to ESPN . “I only joined a few matches before the end. I also had a few off moments and made mistakes, but that’s all part of football, and now it’s just a case of celebrating. It’s the culmination of everything I’ve done my whole life.” Vozinha did not forget his roots. “I dedicate the title to my family and all of Cape Verde,” he said . Vozinha is undefeated in five appearances for Colo Colo (2-0-3). FORBES | By Michael Lewis Why USMNT Coach Pochettino Is Doing Some Forward Thinking In the running for the Yashin trophy And before we forget, the Yashin trophy. The award was named after legendary Soviet Union netminder Lev Yashin, who forged a reputation as a premier shot-stopper for club and country. Yashin, nicknamed the Black Spider, was the only keeper to win the Ballon d’Or in 1963. Just getting nominated was a big deal. “Lots of people will say that it is unfair, and in a certain way, that is how I feel, too. I thought that it was a joke when I heard the news,” Vozinha told France Football . “I am saying that because I enormously respect these great goalkeepers who play in the best leagues and in the best teams. I take it, above all, as a new reward for the whole of Cape Verde. At this stage of my career and of my life, it is a gift from the universe, so thank you to all of those that put me there.” Colo Colo president Edmundo Valladares embraced the nomination. “We think it’s great. It elevates the club. It puts us on the international map,” he told the Chilean press . Spanish goalkeeper Unai Simon secured the award at the Ballon d’Or ceremony in London on Oct. 26. Simon recorded seven shutouts at the World Cup and allowed only one goal in eight matches. Vozinha finished sixth among the 10 finalists. The Cape Verde native signed a contract that runs through Dec. 31. He hasn’t announced whether he will return next year. “Today is a day to celebrate; we will talk about the future some other time,” he said after Sunday’s win. Regardless of what happens, 2026 has been one hell of a ride for Josimar Jos é Evora Dias. FORBES | By Michael Lewis Vozinha’s Amazing Legend Keeps Growing With Yashin Nomination Michael Lewis, the sixth recipient of the Clay Berling Media Career of Excellence Award in 2025, can be followed on X and Bluesky at @Soccerwriter. His 10th soccer book, Around the World Cup in 40 Years: An American sportswriter’s perspective, has been published. This article was originally published on Forbes.com