Colo-Colo are seeking an exemption that would allow new goalkeeper Vozinha to wear his football nickname when he is expected to make his debut later this month, despite Chilean regulations banning such names on shirts.
The 40-year-old became one of the World Cup’s standout goalkeepers with Cape Verde. His displays, combined with a surge in global Instagram recognition, have paved the way for a six-month contract with the Chilean club.
Quick facts
- Goalkeeper: Vozinha, whose registered name is Josimar José Évora Dias
- Age: 40
- New club: Colo-Colo
- Initial agreement: Six months, with a possible 12-month extension
Chile’s competition rules require players’ shirts to carry their paternal and/or maternal surname on the upper back. The lettering must measure between 5 and 5.5 centimetres, while the first-name initial can also be included.
The regulations specifically rule out nicknames, alternative labels and sobriquets. Where two players at the same club share a surname, the first-name initial must be added first, followed by the second surname if necessary.
Colo-Colo are pointing to earlier cases in which the ANFP, Chile’s National Association of Professional Football, granted exceptions. The club hopes the veteran can therefore retain the “Vozinha” name he used at the World Cup, even though his legal name is Josimar José Évora Dias.
Colo-Colo president Aníbal Mosa said he had already discussed the matter with the ANFP, which had responded positively. A Council of Presidents meeting was scheduled for Friday, and several club presidents had indicated that they supported letting the goalkeeper use the name associated with him at football’s biggest global tournament.
“This is an issue for us, but there has been a good response,” Mosa said on Wednesday. “The other presidents understand the possibility of him playing as Vozinha, given that this was the name he used at the most important event in the world.”
The nickname translates from Portuguese as “little grandmother”. It was reportedly coined by older boys during Vozinha’s childhood, when he would cry after losing street-football matches before running back to the grandparents with whom he lived.
Mosa added that Vozinha was expected to arrive in Santiago on Thursday after being offered the half-year contract.
The proposed deal contains an option for Colo-Colo to keep him for an additional 12 months.
Vozinha most recently played for Portuguese second-tier side Chaves. His career has also taken him to clubs in Angola, Cyprus, Moldova and Slovakia.
