Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha has received special approval from the Chilean Football Federation to continue wearing the name that made him a global football sensation after his memorable FIFA World Cup campaign.
The exemption allows the veteran shot stopper to display “Vozinha” on his jersey for Chilean giants Colo Colo despite league regulations that normally require players to use their legal names on match shirts.
The decision comes just days after the 40 year old completed a six month move to the Chilean Liga de Primera champions following a remarkable rise in international recognition during the FIFA World Cup.
Under Chilean Football Federation regulations, players are generally expected to wear their legal names on official match jerseys, while nicknames and similar identifiers are typically prohibited. Vozinha, whose legal name is Josimar Jose Evora Dias, would ordinarily have been required to compete under his birth name.
However, Colo Colo successfully petitioned the federation for an exception, allowing the Cape Verde international to continue wearing the nickname that has become synonymous with his inspiring football journey.
Speaking during his unveiling, Vozinha described the decision as deeply personal.
“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 nickname, which translates to “granny” in Portuguese, carries strong emotional value and reflects his close family ties, making the federation’s approval more than a simple administrative decision.
World Cup Fame Opens New Chapter
Vozinha’s arrival in Santiago generated excitement among Colo Colo supporters, with hundreds welcoming the goalkeeper before he joined his new teammates for training.
His move follows one of the most remarkable stories of the recent FIFA World Cup, where Cape Verde captured worldwide attention with historic performances on football’s biggest stage.
The experienced goalkeeper played a central role as Cape Verde earned its first ever FIFA World Cup point against Spain before advancing to the knockout rounds. The African nation also pushed eventual finalists Argentina into extra time, further elevating Vozinha’s international reputation.
His outstanding performances earned him a place in FIFA’s Team of the Tournament, while his popularity surged dramatically across social media, growing from around 50,000 Instagram followers to nearly 30 million.
In another unusual tribute to his global impact, scientists also named a newly discovered species of sea slug after him.
A Career Defined by Persistence
Before arriving in Chile, Vozinha built an extensive career across several countries, including Slovakia, Angola, Moldova, Cyprus and Portugal, where he most recently represented Chaves.
Although much of his professional journey unfolded outside Europe’s elite competitions, the goalkeeper always believed he belonged on football’s biggest stages.
“The decision was very clear. Despite playing in smaller leagues for clubs that were not 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. I received many offers but Colo Colo was always the priority.
“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.”
For Colo Colo, securing one of the World Cup’s breakout stars strengthens both the club’s sporting ambitions and its international profile. For Vozinha, retaining the name that inspired millions ensures the next chapter of his career remains connected to the identity that transformed him into one of African football’s most celebrated figures.
