World Cup hero Vozinha battles to keep iconic nickname at Colo-Colo

Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha is facing an unusual battle before even making his debut for Chilean giants Colo-Colo, with the veteran shot-stopper seeking special permission to wear his famous nickname on the back of his shirt.

The 40-year-old became one of the standout goalkeepers at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, earning global recognition for his performances as Cape Verde captured the imagination of football fans. His displays, coupled with a growing social media following, convinced Colo-Colo to offer him a six-month contract with an option to extend for another year.

However, the move has hit an unexpected obstacle.

Chilean league regulations require players to display their paternal or maternal surname on the back of their jerseys and explicitly ban the use of nicknames. Under the rules, only a player’s surname, with the option of adding the initial of their first name where necessary, is permitted for identification.

That means the goalkeeper, whose full name is Josimar José Évora Dias, would be unable to wear the name “Vozinha” unless an exception is granted.

Colo-Colo pushing for special approval

Colo-Colo have already begun discussions with the Chilean Football Association (ANFP) in a bid to secure an exemption, arguing that the nickname has become the player’s international identity.

Club president Aníbal Mosa revealed that talks with football authorities had been encouraging and expressed optimism ahead of a meeting of club presidents.

“We have this problem. I spoke with the ANFP and they showed good disposition.”

Mosa believes Vozinha’s global profile following the World Cup strengthens the club’s case.

“There is a Council of Presidents that was already called for Friday. I have spoken with several presidents of (other clubs) and they have shown me their favourable disposition to have the possibility of him playing with the name Vozinha, considering that he did so in the most important event in the world.”

Previous exemptions have reportedly been granted in Chilean football, giving Colo-Colo hope that another exception could be approved before the goalkeeper’s competitive debut.

The story behind the famous nickname

While football fans across the world now recognise him simply as Vozinha, the nickname has a deeply personal origin.

The Portuguese word translates to “little grandmother” and dates back to his childhood. Older boys in his neighbourhood gave him the nickname because he would often cry after losing street football matches before running home to his grandparents, who raised him.

What began as a childhood tease has since evolved into one of African football’s most recognisable names, becoming synonymous with the goalkeeper’s remarkable international career.

A new chapter after World Cup heroics

Vozinha is expected to arrive in Santiago to complete the move after leaving Portuguese second-tier side Chaves.

The experienced goalkeeper has enjoyed a well-travelled career, featuring for clubs in Portugal, Angola, Cyprus, Moldova and Slovakia before earning worldwide acclaim with Cape Verde at the World Cup.

Now, as he prepares for the next challenge with one of South America’s biggest clubs, his first victory may have to come away from the pitch.