Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha wins shirt-name battle as Colo Colo cash in on World Cup sensation

Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha has been handed a rare exemption by the Chilean Football Federation, allowing him to wear the nickname that made him a global sensation during the 2026 FIFA World Cup instead of his legal name on the back of his Colo Colo shirt.

The decision underlines the remarkable transformation of the 40-year-old, who has gone from a respected veteran to one of football’s most recognisable figures following his inspirational performances in Cape Verde’s fairytale World Cup campaign.

League rules in Chile normally require players to use their registered names on match shirts. However, Colo Colo successfully convinced the ANFP to make an exception, enabling the goalkeeper—whose full name is Josimar Jose Evora Dias—to continue playing under the name “Vozinha.”

The move is widely viewed as both a tribute to the player and a commercial opportunity, with the Chilean giants hoping to capitalise on soaring global demand for the goalkeeper’s shirts.

World Cup breakthrough sparks global phenomenon

Vozinha’s popularity has exploded since leading Cape Verde on an unforgettable run at the World Cup.

The island nation captured worldwide attention after earning its first-ever World Cup point against Spain before reaching the knockout stages, where it pushed eventual finalists Argentina into extra time.

The veteran shot-stopper was central to that success, earning a place in FIFA’s Team of the Tournament and becoming one of the competition’s surprise stars.

His rise has been extraordinary off the pitch as well. Before the tournament, Vozinha had around 50,000 Instagram followers. That figure has now surged to nearly 30 million, giving him a larger online audience than several of football’s biggest names, including Harry Kane, Kevin De Bruyne and Virgil van Dijk.

His newfound fame has even extended beyond football, with a newly discovered species of sea slug being named in his honour.

‘It is the name I have used my entire life’

For Vozinha, retaining his nickname carries far greater significance than marketing.

“It is the name I have used my entire life. In Cape Verde, it holds great significance and a rich history, and now it does globally as well.

“If my grandmother were alive today, I think she would be proud. I hope to keep using it for the rest of my career as a tribute.”

The goalkeeper received a hero’s welcome upon arriving in Santiago after signing a six-month contract with Chile’s most successful club.

Although nearing the twilight of his career, Vozinha believes the move represents the pinnacle of his club journey after spells in Slovakia, Angola, Moldova, Cyprus and Portugal.

“The decision was very clear. Despite playing in smaller leagues for clubs that weren’t exactly giants, deep down I always told myself I was a ‘big club’ player.

“So when Colo Colo came calling, there was no doubt. From day one, I knew where I wanted to play.”

Collector’s item in the making

Despite receiving offers elsewhere, Vozinha admitted Colo Colo was always his preferred destination after his World Cup exploits.

“The World Cup was the best thing that ever happened to me in football, but that is in the past now. Being here representing Colo Colo – a massive club with a rich history – is the highlight of my club career.”

With the Chilean champions securing special permission for the Cape Verde icon to wear the name the football world now recognises, Colo Colo have created more than just a shirt. They have produced what could become one of the game’s most sought-after collector’s items, as the remarkable Vozinha story continues to gather momentum.