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Chile FA Grants Vozinha Nickname Exemption for Colo Colo Shirt
The Chilean Football Federation (ANFP) has approved a special exemption that allows Cape Verde goalkeeper Josimar José Évora Dias, known worldwide as Vozinha, to display his nickname on the back of his Colo Colo jersey. The decision was announced on Monday, the day the 40‑year‑old signed a six‑month contract with the Chilean Primera División club.
Under ANFP competition rules, players are required to use their legal names on match shirts. The federation’s regulations state that “nicknames, appellations or sobriquets will not be permitted.” Without an exception, Vozinha would have been required to print “Évora,” “Dias,” or “Évora Dias” on his uniform. The exemption, granted by the ANFP board, is the first time the federation has allowed a player to use a nickname in official league matches.
Vozinha’s request for the exemption was part of the conditions that secured his move to Colo Colo. The club’s president, Aníbal Mosa, confirmed that the nickname clause was a key factor in the player’s decision to sign. The ANFP’s unanimous vote to grant the exemption is noted in the federation’s official statement.
The goalkeeper’s arrival in Santiago was met with a lively reception from Colo Colo supporters. He joined his new teammates in training on Tuesday, the day after his arrival on Sunday. According to the BBC Sport report, the 40‑year‑old said in a press conference that the nickname “has great significance and a rich history” in Cape Verde and that he hopes to keep using it for the rest of his career as a tribute to his grandmother.
Vozinha’s transfer follows a breakout performance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where he became a global sensation. He kept a clean sheet against Spain in the group stage, earned a 2‑2 draw with Uruguay, and helped Cape Verde reach the knockout rounds. In the round of 32, he faced Argentina and was named in FIFA’s team of the tournament. His social‑media following grew from 50,000 Instagram followers before the tournament to nearly 30 million after.
Before joining Colo Colo, Vozinha’s club career included spells in Cape Verde, Angola, Moldova, Portugal, Cyprus, Slovakia, and the Portuguese second division side Chaves. He has always described himself as a “big club” player, and the move to Chile’s most successful club—34 Primera División titles and 14 Copa Chile titles—was described by him as a career highlight.
Colo Colo, founded in 1925, has never been relegated from the Chilean Primera División. The club plays its home games at Estadio Monumental David Arellano and is regarded as the most popular sports club in Chile, with more than 7 million fans. The club’s history includes a 1991 Copa Libertadores win and two Recopa Sudamericana titles in 1992.
The ANFP’s decision to grant the nickname exemption could set a precedent for future cases. While the federation has granted exceptions in the past, the requirement for a unanimous board vote makes each case unique. The exemption will take effect immediately, allowing Vozinha to wear “Vozinha” on his shirt for the remainder of his contract.
As the 2026 season progresses, Colo Colo will look to leverage Vozinha’s experience and popularity in both domestic and continental competitions. The club’s management has indicated that the goalkeeper’s presence will strengthen the squad’s defensive options and attract additional fan interest.
In summary, the ANFP’s exemption enables Vozinha to keep his celebrated nickname on his Colo Colo jersey, a decision that reflects both the player’s personal identity and the federation’s willingness to accommodate exceptional circumstances. The move underscores the growing influence of global football stars in domestic leagues and the importance of cultural recognition in the sport.
Under ANFP competition rules, players are required to use their legal names on match shirts. The federation’s regulations state that “nicknames, appellations or sobriquets will not be permitted.” Without an exception, Vozinha would have been required to print “Évora,” “Dias,” or “Évora Dias” on his uniform. The exemption, granted by the ANFP board, is the first time the federation has allowed a player to use a nickname in official league matches.
Vozinha’s request for the exemption was part of the conditions that secured his move to Colo Colo. The club’s president, Aníbal Mosa, confirmed that the nickname clause was a key factor in the player’s decision to sign. The ANFP’s unanimous vote to grant the exemption is noted in the federation’s official statement.
The goalkeeper’s arrival in Santiago was met with a lively reception from Colo Colo supporters. He joined his new teammates in training on Tuesday, the day after his arrival on Sunday. According to the BBC Sport report, the 40‑year‑old said in a press conference that the nickname “has great significance and a rich history” in Cape Verde and that he hopes to keep using it for the rest of his career as a tribute to his grandmother.
Vozinha’s transfer follows a breakout performance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where he became a global sensation. He kept a clean sheet against Spain in the group stage, earned a 2‑2 draw with Uruguay, and helped Cape Verde reach the knockout rounds. In the round of 32, he faced Argentina and was named in FIFA’s team of the tournament. His social‑media following grew from 50,000 Instagram followers before the tournament to nearly 30 million after.
Before joining Colo Colo, Vozinha’s club career included spells in Cape Verde, Angola, Moldova, Portugal, Cyprus, Slovakia, and the Portuguese second division side Chaves. He has always described himself as a “big club” player, and the move to Chile’s most successful club—34 Primera División titles and 14 Copa Chile titles—was described by him as a career highlight.
Colo Colo, founded in 1925, has never been relegated from the Chilean Primera División. The club plays its home games at Estadio Monumental David Arellano and is regarded as the most popular sports club in Chile, with more than 7 million fans. The club’s history includes a 1991 Copa Libertadores win and two Recopa Sudamericana titles in 1992.
The ANFP’s decision to grant the nickname exemption could set a precedent for future cases. While the federation has granted exceptions in the past, the requirement for a unanimous board vote makes each case unique. The exemption will take effect immediately, allowing Vozinha to wear “Vozinha” on his shirt for the remainder of his contract.
As the 2026 season progresses, Colo Colo will look to leverage Vozinha’s experience and popularity in both domestic and continental competitions. The club’s management has indicated that the goalkeeper’s presence will strengthen the squad’s defensive options and attract additional fan interest.
In summary, the ANFP’s exemption enables Vozinha to keep his celebrated nickname on his Colo Colo jersey, a decision that reflects both the player’s personal identity and the federation’s willingness to accommodate exceptional circumstances. The move underscores the growing influence of global football stars in domestic leagues and the importance of cultural recognition in the sport.
