Nominated for the Yashin Trophy for best goalkeeper, Vozinha enjoyed a rare evening at the London Palladium. The Colo-Colo and Cape Verde goalkeeper has seen his fame explode after a 2026 World Cup that made him known to the general public.
On Monday evening, Josimar José Évora Dias, known as Vozinha, arrived at the London Palladium for the Ballon d’Or ceremony, where he was among the nominees for the Yashin Trophy for best goalkeeper, ESPN Deportes reports. At 40, the Colo-Colo and Cape Verde national team goalkeeper is living through an evening that crowns his career.
His nomination rewards his 2026 World Cup. He kept a clean sheet against Spain, the future champions, in Cape Verde’s opening match, before pushing Argentina, the future finalists, to the brink of elimination in the round of 16, according to the same source.
An evening like no other
According to Yeuthethao.net.vn, Vozinha travelled to London via Madrid and a private jet, arriving about six hours before the start of the ceremony. At the Palladium, he signed autographs and posed with Lamine Yamal and Fabio Capello.
This exposure contrasts with his former life. In an interview with The Observer, he admitted that he sometimes misses his simple life back then, and that he would choose that life if he could go back.
A journey to the four corners of the world
Born 40 years ago in Mindelo, on the island of São Vicente, Vozinha built his career far from the spotlight, as ESPN Deportes details: spells in Angola, Moldova, Portugal, Cyprus, Slovakia, and now Chile. His nickname means “grandmother” in Portuguese.
The World Cup changed his status. He was voted starting goalkeeper in the fans’ FIFA ideal XI, according to ESPN Deportes. His number of Instagram followers rose from 56,000 to 27.7 million, according to the same source.
ESPN Deportes wrote: “El Mundial de Vozinha lo llevó a la ceremonia del Balón de Oro, un momento perfecto para aquellos que aman el futbol pero nunca reciben nada.” In other words, the World Cup carried Vozinha all the way to the Ballon d’Or ceremony, a perfect moment for those who love football without ever receiving anything.
Colo-Colo, the next chapter
On Sunday, the eve of the ceremony, Vozinha made his league debut for Colo-Colo in the 1-1 draw against Palestino, making three spectacular saves, according to ESPN Deportes. An introduction that does not yet guarantee him the starting spot, the same source notes.
Colo-Colo’s season goes on, and the 40-year-old goalkeeper still has to earn his place between the Chilean posts.