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 made him a global football sensation, is expected to complete his move to the Chilean champions following the departure of Portuguese side Chaves. However, the current regulations of the Chilean Primera División mean that he will be forced to change his widely recognized nickname to his legal surname.
The World Cup performances transformed Vozinha into a global star
Vozinha arrived at the World Cup this summer as a free agent after leaving 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 quickly changed 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 advance from the group stage in their first World Cup appearance. Vozinha then played a key role in Cape Verde’s thrilling 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 garnered widespread acclaim and dramatically increased his global profile.The goalkeeper’s Instagram following increased from 50,000 to over a million within 24 hours of Cape Verde’s draw against Spain. At the time of publication, his account had grown to nearly 30 million followers, surpassing the social media audience of several high-profile American sports stars, including Travis Kelce, Patrick Mahomes and Tom Brady.
Colo-Colo move confirmed
Vozinha’s performances at the World Cup quickly attracted transfer interest, with Colo-Colo moving to sign the veteran goalkeeper.Club president Aníbal Mosa confirmed that an agreement had been reached and said the transfer would be completed when the rest of the formalities were completed.“Vozinha will be a Colo-Colo player,” said Mosa.“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 Verdean international join one of Chile’s most successful clubs after a career that included spells in Cape Verde, Angola, Moldova, Cyprus, Slovakia and Portugal.
Why does ‘Vozinha’ lose his shirt?
Despite being internationally known as Vozinha, the goalkeeper’s famous nickname may not appear on his Colo-Colo shirt.According to: The SunChilean Primera División regulations prohibit players from wearing nicknames on the back of their jerseys.Instead, players must use one or both of their last names, with the option to include an initial.Vozinha’s full birth name is Josimar Jose Evora Dias, meaning his shirt is instead expected to display either “Evora,” “Dias,” or “Evora Dias” if the current regulations remain unchanged. According to the regulation, any player wearing a nickname that violates league regulations will receive an automatic yellow card, while the club will also face a financial penalty.
Colo-Colo requested a special exemption
There is a possibility that the supporters will see “Vozinha” on the goalkeeper’s shirt.According to: The SunColo-Colo formally requested an exemption from the Chilean Football Association to allow the goalkeeper to wear the nickname by which he is known throughout the world.Chilean FA president Pablo Milad confirmed that the request was being considered.“There is already a formal request from Colo-Colo,” said Milad.“We will analyze it in the coming hours and inform 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 of Vozinha’s arrival on Chilean football.“It will be an attraction for the fans,” he said.“You cannot tell that he is 40 years old, he looks very active and dynamic. He will be an asset and something interesting for Colo-Colo, and it is good that he chose to come here to an important club in our football.”
The veteran goalkeeper wants to continue playing
While his growing global popularity opens up new commercial opportunities, Vozinha insists that 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 hoped to continue playing beyond the age of 40.“This is one of the first things I want to solve. I love soccer. Being here, at the age of 40, because I have this passion,” he said.“I want to play at least one or two years, or see how long my body can take; we don’t know what will happen tomorrow.“I want to play, and I hope to find a team that I really like as a player, not as a marketing person.”