Nickname ban defeated: World Cup star Vozinha wins jersey name battle in Chile

The Cape Verdean goalkeeper earns the right to use his "nickname" with Colo-Colo

Vozinha, the breakout goalkeeper of the World Cup with Cape Verde, will be able to use the nickname that propelled him to worldwide fame once he joins Chilean football. This was decided unanimously last Friday by the Council of Presidents of the National Professional Football Association (ANFP) in light of the possible arrival of the goalkeeper, announced a week ago as Colo-Colo's new signing.

The top leaders of the Chilean teams accepted the request from the white club and backed the petition so that Josimar José Evora Dias could keep his nickname Vozinha on the jersey, thus changing the regulations that lay the foundations for the Chilean league, according to which players can only be identified by their surnames.

"Colo Colo, the team with the most titles in the South American country, announced the signing of the Cape Verdean goalkeeper last Friday and was expecting to receive him on Tuesday. After an initial delay due to visa-related hurdles, the 40-year-old keeper was due to land in the Chilean capital the day before. However, he never boarded the plane, setting off alarm bells for both the club and the fans.

According to the director, Vozinha's arrival was delayed because "an additional period has been requested to resolve some personal matters." He did not specify what kind of situations they would be.

During the ANFP meeting, Colo Colo president Aníbal Mosa reportedly acknowledged that the contract with Vozinha had still not been signed and that the use of his nickname was one of the conditions for him to accept the deal, according to details of the meeting leaked to the local press.

Vozinha, road to Santiago de Chile

Finally, after several days of intense speculation and uncertainty over his absence, the situation was completely resolved and Vozinha is already on a flight to Santiago, Chile to join Colo-Colo on a permanent basis.

The Cape Verdean goalkeeper is traveling on the flight accompanied by his agent Bernardo Vasconcelos and is scheduled to arrive in the Chilean capital this Sunday.

This Monday, August 3, in the morning, he will undergo the mandatory medical examinations at the MEDS Clinic. His first training session under Fernando Ortiz will be on Tuesday morning, followed by his official presentation at Monumental Stadium at 12:30.