Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha is set to begin the next chapter of his career with Chilean giants Colo-Colo, but the name that made him one of the breakout stars of the 2026 FIFA World Cup may not appear on the back of his shirt.The 40-year-old, whose performances during Cape Verde’s historic World Cup campaign turned him into a global football sensation, is expected to complete his move to the Chilean champions after leaving Portuguese side Chaves. However, current Chilean Primera División regulations mean he could be forced to replace his widely recognised nickname with his legal surname.
World Cup performances transformed Vozinha into a global star
Vozinha arrived at this summer’s World Cup as a free agent after departing Liga Portugal 2 club Chaves, where he made 19 appearances in all competitions during the 2025-26 season.Few outside African football were familiar with the experienced goalkeeper before the tournament.That changed rapidly as Cape Verde produced one of the biggest stories of the World Cup.The Blue Sharks held eventual champions Spain to a goalless draw in their opening match before also drawing with Uruguay and Saudi Arabia to progress from the group stage in their first-ever World Cup appearance. Vozinha then played a key role in Cape Verde’s spirited extra-time defeat to Argentina in the Round of 32.
Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha (1) makes a save during the World Cup Group H soccer match between Spain and Cape Verde in Atlanta, Monday, June 15, 2026. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
His performances earned widespread praise and dramatically increased his global profile.The goalkeeper’s Instagram following surged from around 50,000 to more than one million within 24 hours of Cape Verde’s draw against Spain. At the time of publication, his account had grown to almost 30 million followers, surpassing the social media audiences of several high-profile American sports stars, including Travis Kelce, Patrick Mahomes and Tom Brady.
Colo-Colo move confirmed
Vozinha’s World Cup displays quickly attracted transfer interest, with Colo-Colo moving to sign the veteran goalkeeper.Club president Aníbal Mosa confirmed an agreement had been reached and said the transfer would be completed once the remaining formalities were finalised.“Vozinha is going to be a Colo-Colo player,” Mosa said.“In the next few days, he will travel to Chile, undergo the necessary medical examinations, and then be presented here at the Estadio Monumental.”The move will see the Cape Verde international join one of Chile’s most successful clubs after a career that has included spells in Cape Verde, Angola, Moldova, Cyprus, Slovakia and Portugal.
Why ‘Vozinha’ may disappear from his shirt
Despite becoming internationally known as Vozinha, the goalkeeper’s famous nickname may not appear on his Colo-Colo shirt.According to The Sun, Chilean Primera División regulations prohibit players from wearing nicknames on the back of their jerseys.Instead, players must use one or both of their surnames, with the option of including an initial.Vozinha’s full birth name is Josimar Jose Evora Dias, meaning his shirt would instead be expected to display either “Evora,” “Dias,” or “Evora Dias” if the current regulations remain unchanged. According to the regulation, that any player wearing a nickname in violation of the league’s regulations would receive an automatic yellow card, while the club would also face a financial penalty.
Colo-Colo seek special exemption
There is still a possibility that supporters could see “Vozinha” on the goalkeeper’s shirt.According to The Sun, Colo-Colo have formally requested an exemption from the Chilean Football Association to allow the goalkeeper to wear the nickname by which he is known around the world.Chilean FA president Pablo Milad confirmed that the request is under consideration.“There is already a formal request from Colo-Colo,” Milad said.“We will analyse it in the coming hours and notify the club of the decision.”
Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha saves the ball during the World Cup Group H soccer match between Spain and Cape Verde in Atlanta, Monday, June 15, 2026. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
Milad also acknowledged the commercial and sporting impact Vozinha’s arrival could have on Chilean football.“It will be an attraction for the fans,” he said.“You can’t tell he’s 40 years old, he looks very agile and dynamic. He will be an asset and something interesting for Colo-Colo, and it’s great that he chose to come here to an important club in our football.”
Veteran goalkeeper wants to keep playing
While his growing global popularity has opened new commercial opportunities, Vozinha has insisted his focus remains firmly on continuing his playing career rather than becoming a marketing attraction.Speaking before his move to Chile, the goalkeeper said he hopes to continue playing beyond the age of 40.“It’s one of the first things I want to sort out. I love soccer. Being here, at 40 years old, is because I truly have this passion,” he said.“I want to play for at least another year or two, or see how long my body can take it; we never know what tomorrow will bring.“I want to play, and I hope to find a team that really wants me as a player, not as a marketing person.”
