Archive · 5 Aug 2026
Chile FA grants Vozinha nickname exemption after Colo Colo move
A famous goalkeeper named Vozinha has joined a big football club in Chile called Colo Colo.
Vozinha is 40 years old and comes from a small country called Cabo Verde.
He became famous around the world after playing very well in the 2026 World Cup.
His nickname, Vozinha, means "granny" in Portuguese, and it is a tribute to his grandmother.
In Chile, football players usually have to wear their real names on their shirts.
But Colo Colo asked for special permission so Vozinha could keep his nickname.
The Chilean football federation said yes, and Vozinha was very happy about it.
He was welcomed by lots of fans at the club's stadium in Santiago.
He says the nickname has meant a lot to him his whole life and hopes to keep wearing it.
Chile's football federation (ANFP) granted Cabo Verde goalkeeper Vozinha a special exemption to wear his nickname on his Colo Colo shirt despite rules requiring legal names.
The 40-year-old goalkeeper, whose full name is Josimar Jose Evora Dias, joined Colo Colo on a six-month deal as a free agent.
Vozinha gained worldwide attention during Cabo Verde's historic run to the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The nickname, which translates to "granny" in Portuguese, is a tribute to his grandmother and carries deep personal meaning.
Vozinha was unveiled at the Monumental David Arellano Stadium in Santiago, with Colo Colo leading the Chilean Primera Division standings.
- Who
- Vozinha (Josimar Jose Evora Dias), the 40-year-old Cabo Verde goalkeeper, along with Colo Colo and Chile's football federation (ANFP).
- What
- Vozinha was granted a special exemption to wear his nickname on his Colo Colo shirt and was officially unveiled after completing his move.
- When
- The transfer was completed this week; it was initially announced in July and was delayed by visa issues and personal matters.
- Where
- Santiago, Chile, at the Monumental David Arellano Stadium.
- Why
- Because the nickname "Vozinha" holds deep personal and cultural significance for him, and Colo Colo successfully requested an exemption from the federation's regulations.
- Player
- Vozinha (Josimar Jose Evora Dias)
- Age
- 40
- Position
- Goalkeeper
- National team
- Cabo Verde
- New club
- Colo Colo
- Contract length
- Six months
- Previous club
- G.D. Chaves (left in June)
- Nickname meaning
- "Granny" in Portuguese