Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha became a global sensation overnight after his stellar performance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. After the World Cup, he signed for Chilean club Colo-Colo. However, Vozinha has encountered an unexpected problem upon joining his new club.
According to the rules of the Chilean first division, nicknames or surnames cannot be used on players’ jerseys. As a result, the name “Vozinha,” known worldwide, will not appear on Colo-Colo’s jersey.
Chilean media outlet RedGol reported that, according to Article 36 of the league’s regulations, a player’s paternal or maternal surname must appear on the back of the jersey. The first letter of the first name can be added if necessary, but the use of any nickname, alias, or pseudonym is not allowed.
Vozinha’s real name is Josimar Elvis Dias. “Vozinha” means “little grandmother” in Portuguese. The goalkeeper, who grew up in the city of Mindelo on the island of São Vicente in Cape Verde, was raised mainly by his grandparents. His mother worked all day and his father was in the army. As a child, he would run to his grandmother whenever he got knocked around while playing football with the adults. That’s where his nickname “Vozinha” came from.
Colo-Colo officials can only use the name Vozinha on the jersey if they can get the league committee to change the rule through council approval. Otherwise, he will have to use his own surname.
Vozinha’s impressive performances at the 2026 World Cup brought him to the attention of various clubs in Europe and the Americas. There were even rumors of him joining Inter Miami. He eventually agreed to an 18-month deal with the traditional Chilean club Colo-Colo.
Vozinha is expected to arrive in Santiago, Chile, today to sign a formal contract with Colo-Colo. The goalkeeper will undergo a medical examination before signing the contract.
