World Cup hero Vozinha welcomed like a rock star in Chile

Cape Verde's World Cup hero, Vozinha, was celebrated like a rock star in Chile on Wednesday. The goalkeeper, whose real name is Josimar José Évora Dias, received an extravagant welcome at the Monumental Stadium in Santiago. Thousands of fans cheered him on as live music and fireworks illuminated the night sky. Vozinha, 40, expressed his delight at joining Colombian champions Colo Colo, stating that he always aspired to play for a major club.

FIFA recognized his exceptional performance by including him in their team of the tournament. Vozinha, who last played for Portuguese side GD Chaves, has signed a deal with Colo Colo until the end of the season in December, with an option for an additional year. Despite being a World Cup star, Vozinha will earn a modest monthly wage of around €44,500 ($51,400), a far cry from his teammates' salaries.

The Chilean football association granted an exception to allow Vozinha to wear his nickname on his shirt. The climactic moment of the ceremony involved a parachutist delivering his jersey into the stadium, after which Vozinha completed a lap of honor to the roar of the crowd. His World Cup performance had propelled him from a mere 50,000 Instagram followers to a staggering 29.5 million.