Cape Verde’s goalkeeper #01 Vozinha celebrates at the end of the 2026 World Cup Group H football match between Spain and Cape Verde at the Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta on June 15, 2026. (Photo by ROBERTO SCHMIDT / AFP)
By Adegboyega Adeleye
Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha, one of the breakout stars of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, could be forced to abandon the nickname that made him a global fan favourite after completing a move to Chilean giants Colo-Colo.
According to Reuters, Chilean football regulations prohibit players from wearing nicknames on the back of their jerseys, meaning the 40-year-old may have to use his real name, Josimar José Évora Dias, instead of the iconic “Vozinha” when he makes his expected debut later this month.
The veteran shot-stopper earned worldwide recognition during Cape Verde’s remarkable World Cup campaign, with his performances and distinctive jersey name turning him into one of the tournament’s most talked-about players.
