Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha will start the next chapter of his career at Chilean giants Colo-Colo, but the name that made him one of the breakout stars of the 2026 FIFA World Cup may not appear on the back of his shirt.The 40-year-old, whose performances in Cape Verde’s historic World Cup campaign made him a star in global football, is expected to complete a move to the Chilean champions after leaving Portuguese side Chavez. However, current Chilean Serie A regulations mean he may be forced to replace his popular nickname with his legal surname.
World Cup performance makes Woznia a global star
Woznia joins this summer’s World Cup as a free agent after leaving Portuguese second-tier club Chavez, where he will make 19 appearances in all competitions in the 2025-26 season.Before the World Cup, few outside African football were familiar with the experienced goalkeeper.That changed quickly as Cape Verde created one of the biggest stories of the World Cup.The Blue Sharks suffered a goalless draw against eventual champions Spain in their opening match before drawing with Uruguay and Saudi Arabia to make their World Cup debut from the group stages. Woznia then played a key role in Cape Verde’s stunning overtime defeat to Argentina in the round of 32.
Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha (1) makes a save during the football match between Spain and Cape Verde in World Cup Group H on Monday, June 15, 2026 in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
His performance earned him widespread acclaim and greatly increased his global popularity.In the 24 hours following Cape Verde’s draw with Spain, the goalkeeper’s Instagram following surged from around 50,000 to over 1 million. As of press time, the number of followers on his account has grown to nearly 30 million, surpassing the social media audiences of several well-known American sports stars such as Travis Kelce, Patrick Mahomes and Tom Brady.
Colorado relocation confirmed
Woznia’s performances at the World Cup quickly aroused transfer interest and Colo-Colo signed the experienced goalkeeper.Club president Anibal Moosa confirmed an agreement had been reached and said the transfer would be completed once the remaining formalities were completed.“Wozinha will be a Colo-Colo player,” Moosa said.“In the next few days, he will travel to Chile to undergo the necessary medical examinations before making his debut at the Estadio Monument.”The Cape Verde international, who has played for Cape Verde, Angola, Moldova, Cyprus, Slovakia and Portugal during his career, will join one of Chile’s most successful clubs.
Why “Vozinha” might disappear from his shirt
Although Vozinha is known internationally, the goalkeeper’s famous nickname may not appear on his Colo-Colo jersey.According to that the sunChilean Primera Division rules prohibit players from wearing nicknames on the back of their jerseys.Instead, players must use one or both of their last names, and can optionally include initials.Woznia’s full name is Josimar Jose Evora Dias, which means if current regulations remain unchanged, his shirt will read “Evora”, “Dias” or “Evora Dias”. According to regulations, any player who wears a nickname in violation of league regulations will automatically receive a yellow card, and the club will also face financial penalties.
Colo-Colo seeks special exemption
Fans may still see the word “Vozinha” on the goalkeeper’s jersey.According to that the sunColo-Colo have officially requested an exemption from the Chilean Football Federation to allow the goalkeeper to wear his famous nickname.Chilean Football Federation president Pablo Millard confirmed the request was being considered.“Kolo-Colo State has made a formal request,” Milad said.“We will analyze it in the next few hours and inform the club of the decision.”
Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha saves the ball during the football match between Spain and Cape Verde in World Cup Group H on Monday, June 15, 2026 in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
Millard also acknowledged the commercial and sporting impact Vozinha’s arrival could have on Chilean football.“It will be an attraction for the fans,” he said.“You couldn’t tell he was 40 years old, he looked very agile and full of energy. He will be an asset and interesting thing for Colo-Colo and it’s great that he has chosen to come to an important club in our football world.”
Veteran goalkeeper hopes to continue playing football
While his growing global profile has brought new business opportunities, Woznia insists his focus remains on continuing his career rather than becoming a marketing attraction.The goalkeeper said before his move to Chile that he hoped to continue playing football beyond the age of 40.“That’s one of the first things I have to address. I love football. Coming here at 40 years old is because I really have that passion,” he said.“I want to play at least another year or two or see how long my body can handle it; we never know what tomorrow will bring.“I want to play and I want to find a team that really wants me to be a player and not a marketer.”
