Chilean League Kit Rules Could Force Colo-Colo Signing Vozinha to Drop Famous Nickname

Cabo Verde goalkeeper Vozinha, who recently reached an agreement to join Chilean giants Colo-Colo following his standout performances at the 2026 World Cup, is facing an unexpected jersey regulation issue. According to official regulations enforced by the National Professional Football Association of Chile (ANFP), players are strictly forbidden from displaying nicknames on the back of their match shirts.

Under current league kit rules, players are only permitted to wear their official paternal or maternal surnames, optionally accompanied by a first initial. For the 40-year-old goalkeeper—whose full legal name is Josimar José Évora Dias—this mandate means his shirt would be restricted to reading Évora, Dias, or Évora Dias instead of the famous Vozinha name he has worn throughout his career.

Because the Vozinha name gained widespread global recognition during the tournament, Colo-Colo is concerned about the negative impact on shirt sales and marketing. The club has officially submitted a request to the ANFP seeking a special exemption, hoping to allow the goalkeeper to keep his familiar nickname on his official match kits.