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 cannot appear on 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, the current regulations of the Chilean Primera División mean that he could be forced to replace his widely recognized nickname with his legal surname.
The World Cup performances turned Vozinha into a global star
Vozinha arrived at this summer’s World Cup as a free agent after leaving Portugal’s Liga 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 quickly 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 scraping by 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 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 won widespread acclaim and dramatically increased his global profile.The goalkeeper’s Instagram following has grown from around 50,000 to over a million in the 24 hours since Cape Verde’s draw against Spain. At the time of publication, his account had grown to nearly 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 is quickly showing transfer interest, with Colo-Colo moving to sign the veteran goalkeeper.Club president Aníbal Mosa has confirmed that an agreement has been reached and said the transfer will be completed once the remaining formalities have been finalised.“Vozinha will be a Colo-Colo player,” said Mosa.“In the next few days, I 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 has included spells in Cape Verde, Angola, Moldova, Cyprus, Slovakia and Portugal.
Because “Vozinha” can disappear from his shirt
Although he became an international as Vozinha, the goalkeeper’s famous nickname cannot 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 surnames, with the option of including an initial.Vozinha’s full birth name is Josimar Jose Evora Dias, which means his shirt would instead display “Evora”, “Dias” or “Evora Dias” if the current regulation remains unchanged. According to the regulation, any player who wears a nickname in violation of league regulations will receive an automatic yellow card, while the club will 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 sunColo-Colo have formally requested an exemption from the Chilean Football Association to allow the goalkeeper to carry the nickname by which he is known around the world.The president of the Chilean FA Pablo Milad confirmed that the request is under consideration.“There is already a formal request from Colo-Colo,” said Milad.“We will analyze 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 that Vozinha’s arrival could have on Chilean football.“It will be an attraction for the fans,” he said.“You can’t say that he is 40 years old, he looks very agile and dynamic. He will be an asset and something interesting for Colo-Colo, and it is great that he chose to come here to an important club in our football.”
The veteran goalkeeper wants to keep playing
While his growing global popularity has opened up new business opportunities, Vozinha has insisted that his focus remains firmly on continuing his playing career rather than becoming a marketing attraction.Speaking ahead of 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 solve. I love football. Being here, at 40 years old, is because I really have this passion,” he said.“I want to play at least another year or two, or see how long my body can take; 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.”