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Josimar José Évora Dias, widely known by his football nickname Vozinha, is an experienced Cape Verdean professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper. Known for his quick reflexes, vocal leadership, positioning, and ability to perform under pressure, Vozinha has represented clubs across Africa and Europe during his long professional career.
In August 2026, Vozinha joined Chilean football giant Colo-Colo after attracting international attention through his performances for Cape Verde. The veteran goalkeeper was officially presented by the club after helping his country make history at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Before moving to Chile, Vozinha played for Portuguese club GD Chaves. His journey has also included spells in Cape Verde, Angola, Moldova, Cyprus and Slovakia. He remains one of the most experienced and respected players in Cape Verdean football.
| Quick Info | Details |
|---|---|
| Full name | Josimar José Évora Dias |
| Popular name | Vozinha |
| Date of birth | 3 June 1986 |
| Age | 40 years old |
| Place of birth | Mindelo, Cape Verde |
| Nationality | Cape Verdean |
| Height | 1.89 m, approximately 6 ft 2 inch |
| Horoscope | Gemini |
| Profession | Professional footballer |
| Position | Goalkeeper |
| Preferred foot | Right |
| Current club | Colo-Colo |
| National team | Cape Verde |
| Jersey number | 29 at Colo-Colo |
| Relationship status | Not publicly confirmed |
| Brother | Delmiro Évora Nascimento |
Vozinha’s full name, birthplace, date of birth, height and playing position are listed in his professional football profile. His move to Colo-Colo and number 29 shirt were reported following his official presentation in Chile.
Early Life
Vozinha was born on 3 June 1986 in Mindelo, a city on the island of São Vicente in Cabo Verde. Football was connected to his life even before he was given his official name.
During the 1986 FIFA World Cup, his father, Zé Pedro, admired Argentine forward Jorge Valdano and initially wanted to name his son after him. However, a registry official reportedly rejected the foreign name. His family then chose Josimar, inspired by the Brazilian defender who became one of the stars of the same World Cup.
Vozinha was raised largely by his grandparents while his parents worked. As a child, he regularly played football in the streets with older boys. When the games became too physical, he sometimes returned home upset to his grandmother.
His friends began teasing him about going home to his grandmother, using the word “vozinha,” which is associated with “little grandmother” or “granny” in Portuguese. What started as a childhood joke eventually became the name by which football supporters around the world would recognize him.
Vozinha has spoken emotionally about the influence of his grandparents, explaining that they played an important role in raising him and supporting his development. His childhood experiences helped shape the determination and resilience that later defined his football career.
Club Career
Early Career in Cabo Verde
Vozinha began his senior football journey in Cabo Verde with Batuque FC, a club based in his hometown of Mindelo. He later represented CS Mindelense, another important club from São Vicente.
His performances at home provided him with an opportunity to continue his career abroad. Rather than immediately joining one of Europe’s major leagues, Vozinha followed a gradual path through several countries and competitions.
Progresso do Sambizanga
Vozinha moved to Angola and joined Progresso Associação do Sambizanga. He played regularly for the Angolan side and gained valuable professional experience outside Cabo Verde.
He was associated with Progresso between 2012 and 2015, although part of that period also included a return to Mindelense. His time in Angola helped him develop the physical strength, confidence and consistency required of a professional goalkeeper.
Zimbru Chișinău
In 2015, Vozinha moved to Moldova to play for Zimbru Chișinău. The transfer represented an important step into European football.
He made regular appearances during his season with the Moldovan club. Competing in Europe allowed him to experience a different football culture and attract interest from clubs in other European leagues.
Gil Vicente
Vozinha joined Portuguese club Gil Vicente in August 2016. He played in Portugal’s second division and became a regular member of the team during the 2016–17 season.
His ability to communicate in Portuguese helped him adapt, while his performances demonstrated that he could compete successfully in European football.
AEL Limassol
In 2017, Vozinha signed for AEL Limassol in Cyprus. This became the longest and most stable period of his club career.
He remained with AEL until 2022 and made more than 100 league appearances for the club. His consistency, experience and leadership made him an important member of the squad.
One of the biggest achievements of his club career came during the 2018–19 season, when AEL Limassol won the Cypriot Cup.
AS Trenčín
After leaving Cyprus, Vozinha moved to Slovakia and joined AS Trenčín in 2022. He spent two seasons with the Slovak club and continued to receive regular playing opportunities.
His experience was particularly valuable in a relatively young squad. He represented Trenčín until 2024 before returning to Portuguese football.
GD Chaves
Vozinha signed for GD Chaves in July 2024. He quickly established himself as an important member of the team in Liga Portugal 2.
During the 2024–25 league season, he recorded 11 clean sheets. GD Chaves stated that no other goalkeeper in the competition matched that total during the season. The club subsequently renewed his contract in June 2025, praising his experience, leadership and performances.
Vozinha remained with Chaves during the 2025–26 season. By the time he appeared at the 2026 World Cup, however, his agreement with the Portuguese club had ended and he was available for a new opportunity.
Colo-Colo
Vozinha’s outstanding World Cup performances attracted attention from several clubs. In July 2026, Colo-Colo announced an agreement to bring the goalkeeper to Chile.
After resolving personal matters that delayed his arrival, Vozinha travelled to Santiago and completed the move. He participated in his first training session and was officially presented as a Colo-Colo player on 4 August 2026.
Vozinha said that joining one of South America’s historic clubs was a source of pride. He was given permission to display his famous nickname on his shirt and received the number 29.
He joined the club to compete for the starting goalkeeper position rather than receiving an automatic place in the team. Vozinha stated that he planned to use his experience to help Colo-Colo achieve its sporting objectives.
International Career
Vozinha made his senior debut for Cabo Verde on 8 September 2012 in a 2013 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against Cameroon. He kept a clean sheet as Cabo Verde secured a memorable 2–0 victory.
He also played in the return match, which Cabo Verde lost 2–1. Despite the defeat, the result over the two legs allowed the country to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations for the first time.
At the 2013 tournament in South Africa, Cabo Verde surprised many observers by reaching the quarter-finals. Vozinha’s performances helped establish him as the national team’s first-choice goalkeeper.
He later represented his country at the 2015, 2021 and 2023 editions of the Africa Cup of Nations. By 2025, he had earned more than 80 senior international appearances and was regarded as one of the most respected voices in the Cabo Verde dressing room.
Historic 2026 FIFA World Cup
Cabo Verde qualified for the FIFA World Cup for the first time in the country’s history in 2026. Vozinha was selected as one of the team’s three goalkeepers and brought more international experience than almost any other player in the squad.
The team’s first match was against Spain. Cabo Verde earned a remarkable 0–0 draw, with Vozinha producing a series of important saves against the European champions.
He was named Man of the Match, and his performance immediately attracted worldwide attention. CAF described him as the hero of one of the most celebrated results in African football history.
Cabo Verde drew all three of its group matches, including games against Uruguay and Saudi Arabia. The goalless draw with Saudi Arabia secured the country’s place in the Round of 32.
Vozinha and his teammates were then drawn against Argentina. Cabo Verde pushed the defending champions to extra time before losing 3–2 in a dramatic knockout match. Despite the defeat, the team returned home as national heroes after one of the tournament’s most memorable underdog campaigns.
Relationship Status
Vozinha keeps his romantic and family relationships away from the media. His relationship or marital status has not been reliably confirmed in the public sources used for this biography.
Therefore, it would be inaccurate to state as fact that he is married, unmarried or currently dating someone. Most of his public interviews concentrate on football, his parents, his grandparents and the Cabo Verde national team.
Vozinha’s Net Worth and Salary
Vozinha’s exact salary at Colo-Colo has not been officially disclosed. There is also no trustworthy public record confirming his total net worth.
Some celebrity websites may publish estimated figures, but such amounts generally do not include verified information about taxes, properties, personal expenses, investments or contractual deductions.
His income is likely to come from his football salary, performance bonuses, sponsorships and commercial partnerships. However, a specific net-worth figure should not be presented as confirmed unless Vozinha, his representatives or an official financial source releases the information.
His Colo-Colo move was completed after he became a free agent, meaning the Chilean club did not need to pay another team a traditional transfer fee. Reports at the time described his contract as an agreement extending into 2027.
Instagram and Social Media
Vozinha’s official Instagram username is @vozinha1.
Before the 2026 World Cup, he had fewer than 50,000 Instagram followers. His performance against Spain turned him into a global social-media sensation, with millions of people following his account within days.
By the time he joined Colo-Colo, his following had increased to approximately 29 million. His official website also listed more than 29 million social-media followers in August 2026.
Vozinha uses social media to share football photographs, national-team moments, training updates and messages of appreciation to supporters. Much of his sudden online popularity came from Brazil, where fans celebrated his performance and his football-inspired name.
Readers interested in discovering more inspiring stories from the world of Soccer can explore additional player biographies and football features on Sportscovering.
