Why Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha could lose famous nickname at Colo-Colo
Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha faces a potential jersey name change after moving to the Chilean club Colo-Colo due to strict league regulations against nicknames. The club is currently seeking an exemption from the ANFP to allow him to use his famous moniker.
Why it matters
It highlights the intersection of rigid sports bureaucracy and the personal branding of global athletes.
Layer 1 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)
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.
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