Chile FA Grants Exception For Vozinha To Keep Iconic Nickname On Jersey

The Chilean Football Federation has granted Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha a special exemption to wear his famous nickname on his Colo-Colo shirt, overriding league rules that require players to use legal names.

The 40-year-old shot-stopper, whose legal name is Josimar Jose Evora Dias, signed a six-month contract after his breakout World Cup performance catapulted him to global fame. His Instagram following skyrocketed from 50,000 to nearly 30 million during the tournament.

“This is the name I’ve used my entire life,” Vozinha — Portuguese for “little granny” — told reporters. “If my grandmother were alive today, I think she would be proud.”

The veteran helped Cape Verde secure their first-ever World Cup point against Spain and reach the knockout stages, earning a spot in FIFA’s Team of the Tournament and even inspiring a newly discovered sea slug species name.

Colo-Colo, Chile’s most decorated club with 34 league titles, beat out multiple offers to sign the keeper. “Being here representing Colo-Colo is the highlight of my club career,” he said.