Why Cape Verde Star Vozinha Can’t Use His Nickname at Colo-Colo

Following his viral breakout performance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha faces a forced shirt name change at Colo-Colo due to strict Chilean Primera Division regulations.

The 40-year-old shot-stopper, who earned a place on the FIFA Fans’ Dream Team with 39.6% of the public vote, signed a free transfer with South American giants Colo-Colo. However, fans eager to buy his kit will not see "Vozinha" on the back.

The Historic World Cup Run of Cape Verde's No. 1

Representing the third-smallest nation in World Cup history, Vozinha led Cape Verde through an undefeated 90-minute regulation streak across all four of their tournament fixtures:

• Shutout Against World Champions: Produced 7 saves to secure a 0–0 draw against eventual champions Spain—the only match Spain failed to win during the entire tournament.

• Round of 32 Drama vs. Argentina: Denied Lionel Messi and Argentina with 8 saves in a 3–2 extra-time thriller.

• Fans' Choice Award: Accumulated 18 saves and a .782 save percentage, winning the fan vote over Golden Glove winner Unai Simón.

Also Read: Dortmund's €42M Bid Rejected: Said El Mala Transfer Saga Takes Shocking Turn

Why Colo-Colo’s New Goalkeeper Can’t Use His Nickname

Chile’s football governing body (ANFP) enforces strict rules regarding player kit identification in the Campeonato Nacional:

1. Prohibition of Monikers & Nicknames

League guidelines state that players must wear their official registered legal surname on their match jerseys. Wearing an unapproved nickname triggers a match fine and a mandatory yellow card.

2. Legal Identity

Vozinha's full birth name is Josimar José Évora Dias. As a result, his jersey will display "Évora", "Dias", or "Évora Dias" unless a special exemption is granted.

"Vozinha means 'little granny' in Portuguese, a nickname given by my grandparents who raised me. In Angola years ago, another goalkeeper was named Josimar, so I kept Vozinha to honor my roots."

— Vozinha on his iconic name

Exemption Petition & Commercial Impact

Colo-Colo club president Aníbal Mosa has requested an administrative exemption from the ANFP organizing committee to permit the use of "Vozinha" for commercial and brand reasons.

While the ruling remains pending, global football supporters will continue to celebrate the 2026 World Cup's breakout star as Vozinha. However, if you are thinking about how much Vozinha is getting, then it is around €23,000 per month ($25,000 USD / 24 million CLP), nearly tripling his former salary.