Cape Verde international Vozinha has received special permission from the Chilean Football Federation (ANFP) to continue wearing his iconic nickname on the back of his Colo Colo shirt, marking an unusual exception to the league’s regulations and allowing one of the World Cup‘s breakout stars to preserve a name that has become recognized across global football.

The veteran goalkeeper, who joined the Chilean giants earlier this week, would ordinarily have been required to use his legal name, Josimar Jose Evora Dias, on his playing jersey. However, following a request from Colo Colo, the federation approved an exemption that allows the 40-year-old to continue using the nickname that has defined his remarkable career.

Vozinha allowed to keep famous nickname

League regulations in Chile generally prohibit players from displaying nicknames, abbreviations or other informal names on the backs of their shirts, instead requiring them to use their official legal names during domestic competitions.

Despite those rules, the Chilean side successfully petitioned the ANFP to make an exception for Vozinha, whose nickname has become internationally recognized following his inspirational performances at the FIFA World Cup.

The decision means supporters will continue to see “Vozinha” displayed on the goalkeeper’s jersey rather than his full birth name whenever he represents the Chilean club.

For the player himself, retaining the nickname carries emotional significance that extends well beyond football.

Nickname carries deep family meaning

Speaking after the exemption was approved, Vozinha explained that the name has accompanied him throughout his entire life and represents an important family tribute.

The nickname, which translates as “little granny” in Portuguese, honors his late grandmother and has remained part of his identity from childhood through every stage of his professional career.

The goalkeeper expressed pride that he can continue wearing the name as he begins a new chapter with Colo Colo, adding that he hopes to carry it for the remainder of his playing days as a lasting tribute to his family.

His comments highlighted why both the player and the club considered the exemption so important despite the league’s normal regulations.

World Cup transformed Vozinha into global star

Before this summer, the GK was respected primarily by followers of African football, having built a lengthy career across several different leagues.

Everything changed during the World Cup, where the experienced goalkeeper emerged as one of the tournament’s most inspiring stories.

Representing Cape Verde in the nation’s first-ever World Cup appearance, he helped his country earn a historic point against eventual champions Spain by producing a memorable clean sheet in the group stage.

His performances continued throughout the competition as Cape Verde reached the knockout rounds and pushed eventual finalists Argentina into extra time before exiting the tournament.

Those displays earned Vozinha a place in FIFA’s Team of the Tournament and dramatically increased his international profile.

Colo Colo move marks career milestone

Although he has enjoyed a long professional career spanning clubs in Slovakia, Angola, Moldova, Cyprus and Portugal, he described his transfer to Colo Colo as the greatest achievement of his club career.

The Chilean giants are the country’s most successful football club, boasting an illustrious domestic history that includes numerous league championships and Copa Chile triumphs.

The veteran goalkeeper revealed that despite receiving several offers following his impressive World Cup performances, joining Colo Colo was always his preferred destination.

He explained that he had long believed he possessed the quality to represent a major club and immediately embraced the opportunity when the Chilean side expressed interest.

Supporters give warm welcome in Santiago

Excitement surrounding Vozinha’s arrival became evident as soon as he landed in Santiago, where enthusiastic Colo Colo supporters gathered to welcome their newest signing.

The experienced goalkeeper quickly joined his new teammates for training after completing his move and has already begun preparing for the remainder of the domestic campaign.

His arrival has generated considerable optimism among supporters, who hope his experience and leadership will strengthen the squad during the second half of the season.

Having spent years competing in various European and African leagues, the goalkeeper now faces a fresh challenge in South American football.

World Cup success changed more than football career

The remarkable World Cup campaign elevated Vozinha far beyond football circles.

His social media following reportedly exploded from around 50,000 Instagram followers to nearly 30 million during and after the tournament, reflecting the widespread admiration generated by his performances.

In another unusual honour, a newly discovered species of sea slug was even named after the Cape Verde international, illustrating just how significant his impact became beyond the pitch.

Despite the sudden global recognition, the goalkeeper has insisted that his attention is now fully focused on succeeding with Colo Colo rather than dwelling on past achievements.

New chapter begins at Colo Colo

The ANFP’s decision to allow Vozinha to retain his famous nickname ensures that one of football’s most recognizable World Cup stories will continue unchanged in Chilean football.

For Colo Colo, securing the experienced goalkeeper represents both a sporting addition and a commercial boost, with one of the game’s newest cult heroes now joining the country’s most decorated club.

While his unforgettable World Cup performances introduced him to millions of supporters around the world, the Cape Verde captain believes the next stage of his journey is only just beginning. As he prepares to make his debut for Colo Colo, he does so carrying not only the nickname that made him famous but also the family legacy that has inspired him throughout his career.