Colo-Colo Pursues 35th Chilean Title as Goalkeeper Vozinha Arrives in Santiago

Chilean powerhouse Colo-Colo is pushing to secure its 35th Chilean Primera División title against Ñublense on Sunday, seeking to seal direct qualification for the 2027 Copa Libertadores. The Santiago-based club recently reinforced its squad by signing Cape Verde’s 40-year-old World Cup goalkeeper Josimar José Évora Dias, universally known as Vozinha, who landed at Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport to complete his transfer.

The arrival of Vozinha—who built a massive global social media following at the 2026 World Cup, growing from 50,000 followers to international stardom—sparked immediate enthusiasm in Santiago. Media outlets reported varying details regarding his contract, with The Hindu stating he signed a six-month contract while The Financial Express reported an 18-month deal. Latin Times reported that while Vozinha expressed hopes of staying long-term, he confirmed the squad remains focused on their title push. He earned his first start for Colo Colo in a Copa Chile match before featuring in goal for Matchday 26 of the 2026 Liga de Primera against Universidad de Concepción, as the side attempted to end a four-match winless run.

Fanbase, Bans and Continental Campaigns

The team commands an unmatched fan base in Chilean football. “Colo-Colo is by far the most popular club in Chile. Around 42 percent of the population declares to be a fan of the club,” said Samuel Perez, the chief commercial and marketing officer for the club. However, safety issues off the pitch led to strict disciplinary measures. The club was handed a 10-game supporter ban following fan deaths before a Copa Libertadores tie, requiring five home matches in continental competition to be played without fans alongside a five-match ban on away supporters.

These sanctions come after recent years of intense pressure on and off the field. Colo-Colo previously avoided relegation for the first time in its 96-year history through a 1-0 win over Universidad de Concepción, powered by a goal from teenager Pablo Solari, who was on loan at the club. In continental competitions, Colo-Colo narrowly edged out Cerro Porteño after both sides finished equal on six points in their group, advancing to face Colombian outfit Junior in August 2024.

Dual Titles and Managerial Reality

Recent months have brought unique player accomplishments alongside heavy technical pressure. Forward Carlos Palacios celebrated two separate titles in less than 24 hours, picking up trophies tied to Boca Juniors and Colo-Colo. Coach Fernando Ortiz candidly summarized the taxing nature of the campaign, admitting, “Tuvimos un año muy complicado” (“We had a very complicated year”).

Colo-Colo now turns its full attention to Sunday’s fixture against Ñublense, where a victory will seal their 35th Chilean Primera División championship and confirm their spot in the 2027 Copa Libertadores.