Cape Verde goalkeeper Josimar José Évora Dias, popularly known as Vozinha, has reportedly been offered to Brazilian Serie B outfit Ceará following his remarkable performances at the World Cup. The 40-year-old shot-stopper captured international attention after producing seven crucial saves in a historic draw against Spain, though reports indicate that the Brazilian club has turned down the opportunity to sign him.

Vozinha’s World Cup brilliance against Spain

The experienced goalkeeper became an overnight sensation when Cape Verde held European powerhouse Spain to a goalless draw in their opening group match on June 15. Vozinha was the standout performer of the encounter, pulling off seven vital saves—six of them from inside the penalty box—to secure a valuable point for his nation.

Following that impressive display, representatives of Vozinha reached out to Ceará to explore the possibility of a short-term deal for the remainder of the Serie B season. According to reports from Jangadeiro, later corroborated by Globo, the Cape Verdean veteran was eager for the move. Ceará, who recently appointed Daniel Paulista as their new head coach, are actively looking to strengthen their side ahead of the transfer window.

Ceará turn down the proposed deal

Despite interest from the player’s camp, Ceará’s management have opted against pursuing the transfer. The club’s board reportedly showed no inclination to enter formal negotiations for Vozinha, citing his age and their satisfaction with their current goalkeeping options.

Ceará currently sit in the lower half of the Serie B standings and believe their existing goalkeepers provide sufficient cover. Meanwhile, Vozinha continued his impressive World Cup campaign with another solid display in a 2-2 draw against Uruguay. Although he had fewer saves to make, the veteran registered 39 touches and made two important clearances as Cape Verde extended their unbeaten run in the tournament.

Background and Group H implications

Before his World Cup heroics, Vozinha was playing for GD Chaves in Portugal’s second division, featuring in 19 matches last season. Interestingly, his given name pays homage to Brazilian full-back Josimar, who shone for Brazil at the 1986 World Cup.

While a move to Brazil now appears unlikely, Vozinha’s immediate focus remains on helping Cape Verde progress further in the competition. The Blue Sharks currently have two points in Group H after consecutive draws. To secure a place in the round of 32, they must defeat Saudi Arabia—bottom of the group with one point—in their final group-stage encounter.

Looking ahead for Ceará and Cape Verde

In preparation for the upcoming transfer window on July 20, Ceará president João Paulo Silva confirmed that the club have already finalised agreements with five new signings. As for Vozinha, his attention is fully on Cape Verde’s crucial clash with Saudi Arabia. A win would see the island nation reach the knockout stages for the first time in their history, potentially boosting the veteran goalkeeper’s profile even further.