The transfer saga surrounding Cape Verde's veteran goalkeeper Vozinha has taken an unexpected turn. The 40-year-old, who was expected to fly to Santiago to finalize a move to Colo-Colo, never boarded his flight from Portugal. The reason? A late, lucrative proposal from Moroccan club RS Berkane has put everything on hold.
Colo-Colo had already announced the signing on their digital platforms, but no binding contract was ever signed. That legal void allowed other suitors to step in, and RS Berkane did just that. The Moroccan club's pitch is personal: their new head coach is Bubista, who managed Vozinha during Cape Verde's historic run at the 2026 World Cup. Bubista has promised the goalkeeper a guaranteed starting role, a powerful argument for a player who wants to close his career on his own terms.
A World Cup that changed everything
Vozinha's performances in North America during the 2026 World Cup turned him into a global name. He played 390 minutes across four matches, facing Spain, Uruguay, and Argentina, and his saves kept Cape Verde competitive against some of the best attacks in the world. That form, despite his age, raised his market value and attracted interest from both Chile and Morocco.
For Colo-Colo, the situation is embarrassing. The club's executives, including Jaime Pizarro, have tried to downplay the delay, citing administrative procedures and travel permits. But former players and sports media across the region have criticized the premature announcement. Goalkeeper Eduardo Lobos called it an administrative misstep that exposes the club to international ridicule.
Meanwhile, the Colo-Colo fanbase is restless. They had already started preparing for Vozinha's arrival, even debating what name would go on his jersey after Chilean league rules banned his nickname. Now they're left wondering if the deal is dead.
For Vozinha, the choice is clear: he has no contractual obligation to Colo-Colo. He's free to sign with whoever offers the best fit, both financially and athletically. The Moroccan proposal reportedly includes a competitive salary and the promise of regular minutes, which could be decisive for a player who wants to keep playing at a high level.
This isn't the first time Vozinha has faced a crossroads. He nearly quit before his World Cup heroics, and now he's weighing a move that could define the final chapter of his career. His next move is being watched closely, not just in Chile and Morocco, but across the football world.
The transfer window is still open, and a resolution is expected soon. RS Berkane is finalizing the financial terms, and Vozinha's decision could come within days. For Colo-Colo, it's a lesson in the dangers of announcing before the ink is dry. For Vozinha, it's a chance to choose his own ending.
