Vozinha’s Colo-Colo move leaves World Cup revelation facing Chile shirt-name rule

Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha, one of the surprise stars of the 2026 World Cup, could be forced to play under a different name when he joins Chilean club Colo Colo because of local league regulations.

The 40-year-old, who rose from relative obscurity to global recognition with his performances at the tournament, has agreed to sign for Colo Colo on a free transfer after convincing the club to invest in his experience once the World Cup ended.

But, according to French outlet Foot Mercato, the veteran may not initially be allowed to wear the nickname “Vozinha” on the back of his shirt in the Chilean Primera Division.

League rules clash with goalkeeper’s famous nickname

The issue stems from Chilean league regulations, which require players to use their official registered names rather than nicknames on their shirts.

For Vozinha, that would mean reverting to part of his full legal name, Josimar Jose Evora Dias, instead of the moniker by which he became known worldwide during Cape Verde’s World Cup campaign.

Unless an exception is granted, the former World Cup standout is expected to appear for Colo Colo with “Evora”, “Dias”, “Evora Dias” or another combination of his legal surnames printed on his match shirt.

Colo Colo would need to secure special permission from the Chilean league authorities if they want him to continue using “Vozinha” on his kit, as he has done throughout his international career.

From World Cup breakout to South American move

Vozinha’s performances for Cape Verde at the 2026 World Cup turned him into one of the tournament’s unexpected stories, transforming him from a little-known goalkeeper into a player earning praise from around the world.

On the back of that form, Colo Colo moved to bring in the 40-year-old as a free agent, betting on his experience and leadership in goal for the next stage of his career away from the national team.

While the potential temporary loss of his nickname does not affect his registration or eligibility to play, it touches on the identity that accompanied his breakthrough on the global stage and helped make him a cult figure during the World Cup.

For now, as Colo Colo prepare for his arrival, the club face a procedural hurdle: either comply with the strict application of the naming rules, or convince league officials to allow one of the standout names of 2026 to keep the label under which he became famous.