Cape Verde World Cup star Vozinha approved for Chile nickname, arrival still unclear

Vozinha, the 40-year-old Cape Verde goalkeeper who emerged as a breakout star at the 2026 World Cup, has won unanimous approval from Chile's football federation to use his nickname on his jersey—a significant exception to league regulations that normally require players to use only their surnames. The ANFP (Asociación Nacional de Fútbol Profesional) Council of Presidents voted unanimously on Friday to amend its regulations and permit the exception. The decision resolved one of Vozinha's stated conditions for accepting Colo Colo's offer, according to club officials.

However, Vozinha's actual arrival at Colo Colo, announced one week prior as the club's marquee signing, remains uncertain. Originally scheduled to land in Santiago on Tuesday, his travel was delayed first due to visa processing issues requiring a visit to the Portuguese consulate in Lisbon—as Cape Verde and Chile lack direct diplomatic representation with each other. He was then rescheduled to arrive Thursday evening but ultimately did not board his flight. Colo Colo director Jaime Pizarro and coach Fernando Ortiz have both confirmed ongoing contact with Vozinha's agent as recently as Thursday evening, with Vozinha requesting additional time to resolve unspecified personal matters.

Vozinha's real name is Josimar José Évora Dias. His nickname, meaning "grandmother" in Portuguese, references the woman who raised him and has become central to his global brand identity following his World Cup performances. The goalkeeper kept a clean sheet against eventual champion Spain in Cape Verde's opening match and produced multiple spectacular saves against Argentina in the round of 32, where Cape Verde lost 3-2 despite the strong defensive showing.

The transfer agreement is reported to be a six-month contract with an option to extend for an additional 12 months. According to leaked contract details, Vozinha will earn approximately $25,000 monthly at Colo Colo, representing a significant increase from his previous salary of roughly $10,000 at Portuguese second-division side Chaves. His market value has surged from €50,000 in early June to €500,000 following the World Cup, according to Transfermarkt.

Vozinha's signing has generated substantial commercial interest in Chile, where the national team failed to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup. Colo Colo has gained nearly 70,000 new social media followers since announcing the signing. Vozinha himself has accumulated approximately 29.6 million Instagram followers since the World Cup—up from fewer than 50,000 before the tournament—and is actively engaged in international advertising campaigns, including a recent Spider-Man film promotion for Sony Pictures Brazil. Despite this social media activity, he has not publicly commented on the Chile transfer.

Colo Colo, Chile's most decorated club currently leading the domestic league, still faces the logistical challenge of assigning Vozinha a jersey number, as the traditional goalkeeper numbers (1, 12, and 25) are already assigned to other players, including young goalkeeper Gabriel Maureira.